Achalasia Flashcards
1
Q
what happens in achalasia?
A
2
Q
what drug can be used to symptomatically treat achalasia?
A
sublingual nifedipine (CCB) works in about 75% of cases
3
Q
what surgical procedure can be performed to treat achalasia?
A
Heller’s cardiomyotomy - incision in lower oesophageal sphincter to allow food and water to pass through
4
Q
what’s the gold standard investigation for achalasia?
A
oesophageal manometry
(catheter inserted into stomach, slowly withdrawn, pressure measured at various points, patient asked to swallow and drink water periodically)
5
Q
what’s the term used for pain when swallowing?
A
odynophagia
6
Q
what type of cancer is long standing achalasia a risk factor for?
A
oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
(oesophageal SCC)
