With a normal swallow, food and liquids are able to smoothly move from the mouth, through the esophagus, and down past the lower esophageal sphincter which opens to allow food and liquids to go into the stomach. However, there is a rare condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax open known as achalasia. Given the persistently contracted state of the sphincter, food and liquids can not easily pass into the stomach resulting in symptoms of trouble swallowing, food regurgitation, and chest pain.
Treatment of achalasia include surgical Heller myotomy, botox injections to the sphincter muscle, and balloon dilation. The video shown here will demonstrate how balloon dilation of the lower esophageal sphincter is performed.
Of note, the animation shows the stomach full of secretions during the procedure. In reality, the stomach would be empty!
Video showing a Heller Myotomy can be watched here:
• Heller Myotomy with Do...
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
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#achalasia #dysphagia #hellermyotomy #dorfundoplication #medicalanimation