Classification of Vantrappen and Hellemans for Effectiveness of Achalasia Therapy

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	none	better	excellent
occasional	none	better	good
more than once a week	required	better	fair
NA	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.

To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.