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Achalasia |
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This
is the very bottom of the esophagus, and compared to the
photograph we saw in gastroesophageal junction, this is very
tightly shut; in fact, there is only a pinhole opening. In
patients with this condition, achalasia, there is difficulty in
swallowing food and it backs up into the esophagus. We often
have to operate on patients to open this area up, but there are
more recent therapies one of which is shown in the next
photograph.
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Achalasia after Botox injection |
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This
is the same patient in whom we saw achalasia, but we have
injected Botox, which is used for many different medical and
cosmetic purposes, it is in the very bottom of the esophagus
where the muscle was extremely tight. Botox stops the muscle
from being quite as tight and allows it to open up. This effect
is temporary, but typically lasts several months and gives
remarkable relief of the symptoms. If you simply compare the
opening in this patient, you can see a dramatic difference.
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