Vantrappen and Hellemans classified the outcome for a patient with achalasia following therapy,
Patient selection: achalasia after therapy
Parameters:
(1) frequency of symptoms (dysphagia, thoracic pain, heartburn)
(2) need for therapy
(3) status after therapy compared to before
(4) additional symptoms
Symptoms
Need for Therapy
Status
Outcome
none
better
excellent
occasional
good
more than once a week
required
fair
NA
worse, may include weight loss and regurgitation
poor
where:
• There may be an outcome between fair and poor for a patient whose symptoms are unchanged.
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Specialty: Gastroenterology