Injection of ethanolamine oleate into the four quadrants of the lower esophogeal sphincter has potential as a therapy for resistant idiopathic achalasia, according to the findings of Niknam et al. In this study, 13 patients underwent treatment (at week 0, 2 and 4) and all had a ≥50% reduction in both the achalasia symptom score and the height and volume of barium in a timed barium esophagogram. The treatment was well tolerated. Six patients experienced symptom relapse, but were effectively treated by reinjection of ethanolamine oleate.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Niknam, R. et al. Ethanolamine oleate in resistant idiopathic achalasia: a novel therapy. Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. doi:10.1097/MEG.obo13e328349647e
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Potential new therapy for resistant idiopathic achalasia. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 8, 658 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2011.194
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2011.194