View clinical trials related to Achalasia.
Filter by:The AAAS gene has been known to cause achalasia, alacrima, adrenal abnormalities and a progressive neurological syndrome. A considerable proportion of achalasia patients have been known to show alacrima (decreased secretion of tears). However, the genetic mechanism between achalasia and alacrima has not been defined yet. The investigators postulated that some proportions of early-onset achalasia could be correlated with AAAS gene; thus, the investigators aimed to investigate the relationship between the AAAS gene and early-onset achalasia.
Flavanols, present in dark chocolate, were shown to induce Nitric Oxide synthesis. Since Nitric Oxide facilitates smooth muscle relaxation, it might ease the relaxation of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter)as well. The objective of the present study is to evaluate tha efficacy of dark chocolate in improving LES relaxation in achalasia patients.
Recent work at St. Thomas' has validated an innovative new design of a multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) catheter that is sensitive to variation in oesophageal volume in healthy volunteers and patients. This project will establish the clinical value of volume sensitive MII (vMII) compared to conventional MII acquired simultaneously by the same catheter (ROC analysis). Studies will assess: 1. The accuracy of volume measurements and correlation between symptoms and the volume of bolus retention in patients with dysphagia. 2. The accuracy of volume measurements and correlation between symptoms and reflux volume in patients with reflux disease. Follow up studies after appropriate treatment will assess whether symptomatic improvement is associated with a reduction in oesophageal volume retention/reflux. The vMII technique will be applied with high resolution manometry (HRM). These investigations are complementary in that vMII assesses the success or failure of bolus transport (or occurrence of reflux) and HRM can assess: 1. the oesophageal dysfunction that results in bolus escape 2. the abnormal events at the gastro−oesophageal junction (reflux barrier) that allow reflux to occur. with a reduction in oesophageal volume retention / reflux.
The objective of this study is to review studies and patient symptoms before and after laparoscopic Heller myotomy to assess outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for achalasia.
The primary objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of esophageal and anorectal manometric pressure measurements using a newly developed air filled balloon catheter with present standard solid state esophageal and anorectal catheters, respectively.