Meaning of the term

Achalasia

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder in which the muscles do not contract properly and the lower esophageal sphincter does not relax during swallowing. The result is accumulation of food in the esophagus, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis is performed using esophageal manometry and barium swallow. Treatment includes pneumatic dilation of the sphincter, Injection of a Muscle-Relaxing Agent or surgical procedures such as POEM or Heller myotomy.

מונחים רלוונטיים

Achalasia

מונחים רלוונטיים ל-

Myotomy

Myotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at the precise and controlled cutting of muscle fibers that are overactive or do not relax properly.
In the context of Achalasia, the myotomy focuses on the lower esophageal muscles and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which fail to open properly and prevent the free passage of food and liquids into the stomach.

During the procedure, only the muscle layer is deliberately cut, while preserving the mucosal layer, with the goal of:

Reducing the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter
Improving the passage of food and liquids
Relieving symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, sensation of blockage, and chest pain

In the POEM procedure, the myotomy is performed using an advanced endoscopic approach, through the esophageal lumen, without external incisions. This technique allows for a precise cut along a personalized length of the problematic muscle, according to the type of achalasia and patient characteristics.

The advantages of endoscopic myotomy include:

High precision and minimal damage to adjacent tissues
Better control over the depth and length of the cut
Reduced risk of complications compared to open surgical approaches
Faster recovery and improvement in quality of life

Successful myotomy requires a high level of technical skill, deep anatomical understanding, and extensive clinical experience, especially when performed as part of the POEM procedure using the Third Space Endoscopy technique.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is an umbrella term referring to examinations performed using various endoscopic devices. This examination generally involves the exploration of the upper digestive tract and is therefore sometimes referred to as gastroscopy.

However, endoscopic examinations are named after the organ being explored. For example, an examination of the lower digestive tract is called a colonoscopy and is performed using a colonoscope.

Endoscopic examinations are performed through the body's natural openings (mouth or anus).Upper digestive tract endoscopy generally involves introducing a long, flexible tube (endoscope) into the esophagus through the mouth. A tiny camera located at the tip of the device allows the physician to examine the esophagus, the stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine (the duodenum).

For detailed and enriching information on advanced procedures, we invite you to view the Advanced Endoscopy page.

Achalasia

Achalasia

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Endoscopic therapies related to the topic

Esophageal Motility Disorder Treatment - Achalasia & POEM Procedure

Advanced Medicine & Technology - with a Human Touch

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