Operative pediatric surgery. Achalasia in children

Abstract

Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow foods and liquids. In
achalasia, there is a problem with the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach
(esophagus). The muscles that make the esophagus contract and push food down to the stomach
don’t work well. The muscle contractions get weak.The LES (lower esophageal sphincter) also
doesn’t work well. The LES is the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, where it joins the
stomach. With achalasia, the LES gets narrow and tight. Food does not pass into the stomach as it
should. Over time, food and liquid can collect in the esophagus.Achalasia happens more often in
adults. It is rare in children.It affects males and females equally. In some cases, there may be a
family history of achalasia.