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Endoscopy 1981; 13(4): 176-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1021677
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Treatment of Achalasia with A Pneumatic Dilator Attached to A Gastroscope

L. Witzel**
  • Department of Medicine, DRK Krankenhaus Mark Brandenburg, Berlin, West-Germany
Dedicated to Prof. L. Demling on the occasion of his 60th birthday. **The dilator is supplied by Wimed, Hangweg 8A, D-1000 Berlin 28 West-Germany.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

A pneumatic dilator for the treatment of achalasia of the esophagus is described. An inflatable polyurethane balloon assembly is attached to a small-caliber forward-viewing fiber-optic gastroscope. The balloon is introduced and dilatation carried out under endoscopic visual control. The described method greatly increases the safety and accuracy of the dilatation procedure, even in patients with an extreme degree of megaesophagus. 39 patients have been successfully treated with the dilator with no complications.

Key words:

Treatment of achalasia - Pneumatic dilator attached to a gastroscope - Results of pneumatic dilatation in achalasia