Achalasia of the esophagus.

This study rcpresents our 'xpcricncc with 20 patients who wcrc scen at Chiangmai University hospital with surgical management of achalasia of the esophagus between 19771984 during 7 years period. We found 20 patients, who were diagnoscd as having achalasia of the esophagus, the common age incidence betwcen 10-39 years found 85 percent with predominant of long standing dysp agia and regurgitation in more than 80 pcrcent of cases. The esophagography and esophagoscopy wcrc the best diagnostic tool. Only 15 percent incidences of complication of pneumonia and lung abscess were detected. We recommend surgical treatment of transthoracic esophagomyotomy with good results of over 84 percent.