Current Role and Potential of Oesophogeal and Gastric Fluoroscopy in the Choice of Surgical Treatment for Achalasia of Cardia

Background. Fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach provides a reliable assessment of the specific radiological criteria for achalasia (of cardia), which underlie the classification of the disease by stages. The stage of achalasia is one of the key factors to determine the management of treatment, including the choice of a specific type of surgical intervention. However, no methodological standards for performing and interpreting fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach in achalasia have been developed.
Objectives. Creation of a unified protocol for performing and interpreting fluoroscopy of esophagus and stomach in achalasia and development of an algorithm for diagnosing achalasia based on fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach, which will help to determine the appropriate surgery.
Methods. The developed algorithm was applied in a study of 104 patients. The examination was carried out using Duodiagnost X-ray machine by Philips, equipped with a remote control. The X-ray technician’s workplace was tooled with a personal computer, a digital identifier (ID) and a digitizer-scanning device. Drystardt 5000B film (by AGFA) was used for X-ray examinations. The description of X-ray examination was carried out by a radiologist in a separate office equipped with two workstations.
Results. A protocol for fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach in patients with achalasia and a checklist for the description of fluoroscopy in achalasia have been developed.
Conclusion. The developed algorithm for diagnosing achalasia of cardia based on fluoroscopy of the esophagus and stomach showed its high efficiency for clarifying the stage of the disease, and, consequently, choosing the right treatment and method of surgical intervention, as well as for providing objective control over the dynamics of the disease after surgery. In addition, the introduction of the developed algorithm into the widespread practice of radiologists will ensure continuity at all stages of treatment of patients with achalasia in different medical institutions: from diagnosis to dynamic monitoring of the patient’s condition after surgical treatment in specialized centers.

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