Doctors at Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, provided treatment for an 86-year-old man who had Achalasia Cardia, a rare condition impacting the ability to swallow.
The elderly man presented at the hospital with symptoms of difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation, and nocturnal cough. While he had no loss of appetite, he suffered from emaciation, a hospital release said.
Initially, the patient was evaluated for esophageal cancer. But the tests returned negative. A Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) of the chest and upper abdomen ruled out any tumours on the esophagus. However, on further investigation, it was confirmed that he had Type I Achalasia Cardia.
Achalasia Cardia is a condition where nerve damage makes it hard for the lower esophagus to relax and for food to move down, symptoms include difficulty in swallowing, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss.
After considering the risks and benefits, doctors performed peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure, one of the three main treatment options for the condition. The other two were pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy, the release said.
After the treatment, the patient improved quickly and was able to eat a normal diet without difficulty.
Published – January 30, 2025 06:44 pm IST