Experience in the surgical treatment of achalasia in the National Hospital of Itauguá in the years from 2020 to 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Achalasia is a rare condition characterized by the absence of peristalsis and lack of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Symptoms vary according to severity and can be classified using Eckardt’s clinical classification. Achalasia is caused by degeneration of the enteric neurons within the esophageal wall and tends to cause dysphagia. The diagnosis is made through an upper digestive endoscopy, barium esophagram and high-resolution esophageal manometry, the latter being the choice for diagnosis. Objectives: Determine the clinical, epidemiological characteristics and the surgical treatment received in patients diagnosed with Achalasia who attended the National Hospital of Itauguá during the period 2020 to 2024. Materials and Methods: Descriptive observational cross-sectional research with retrospective, non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. It was carried out at the facilities of the National Hospital of Itauguá in Paraguay. The variables were classified as sociodemographic and clinical-surgical. The results were presented in frequency tables calculated in Microsoft Excel. The basic principles of bioethics were respected.