Correlação manométrico-radiológica e sua importância no tratamento cirúrgico do megaesôfago chagásico

This study analyzed the radiologic and manometric findings of 43 patients suffering from chagasic megaesophagus with positive tests for Chagas' disease. There was a significant reduction in the high pressure levels of the body of the esophagus related to the stage of the disease: stage I/II - 42.9 mmHg; stage III - 23.6 mmHg; stage IV - 15.6 mmHg. It was observed that 5 (35.7%) stage III patients had high pressure levels below 20 mmHg and presented advanced megaesophagus and these underwent a subtotal esophagectomy following esophagogastroplasty instead of cardiomyotomy with anti-reflux valve. The manometric study in stage III patients with chagasic megaesophagus was considered helpful to indicate which surgical procedure would be best for these patients.