Achalasia: Breaking down barriers

Achalasia is a relatively rare chronic esophageal motility disorder, causing esophageal dysfunction. It is characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), creating a ‘barrier’ at the esophagogastric junction. This leads to incomplete esophageal emptying with subsequent symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain and weight loss. Advances in diagnostic testing and treatment during the last decade changed clinical management of this disease leading to new insights and challenges. This thesis focused on improving the diagnostic management, evaluating the efficacy of current and new treatments and enhancing strategies for the long-term follow-up of achalasia.