Tahir Siddique, Sadaf Farzand, Syeda Shaista Waheed, Faiza Khan.
Achalasia - different treatment options, baloon dilaation alone versus baloon dilatation and diltiazam.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;6(1):251-2.

Objective: To find out different treatment options of balloon dilaation alone versus balloon dilatation and diltiazam in Achlasia. Material and methods: This was a prospective observational study. Total 17 patients were selected and diagnosis was established with the help Chest x-rays, Barium swallow test, Manometry and Endoscopy. Treatment options being used in my study were either medications alone (calcium channel blocker), medicines and balloon dilatation in combination and balloon dilatation alone. Results: Total 17 patients were registered. 10 were male and 7 were female patients. Mean age of male patients was 39 years and 37 years in female patients. 4 patients were put on calcium channel blocker, 3 patients were treated only with balloon dilatation and 10 patients were treated with Balloon dilatation and calcium channel blocker. The patients in 1st group responded partially and ultimately needed balloon dilatation on an average after 2–3 months. In 2nd group the 3 patients treated with balloon dilatation only. Among these 03 patients two patients needed repeat balloon dilatation after 7–9 months. The 3rd group who were treated with balloon dilatation and subsequently was put on calcium channel blocker lifelong. Conclusion: The patients who were treated with balloon dilatation along with subsequent use of calcium channel blocker remained symptoms free for a longer period of time.

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