Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and timed barium oesophagogram: two objective parameters in the non‐invasive assessment of primary achalasia

Summary Background: The non‐invasive assessment of primary achalasia is not precise. Aim: To compare investigations before and 1 month after balloon dilation in achalasia. Methods: Fifty‐two patients with primary achalasia were enrolled. Subjective and objective variables of oesophageal functions were analysed before and 1 month after balloon dilation. Results: The mean predilation symptom score, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, height and volume of barium at 5 min were 7.7 ± 2.6, 62.0 ± 25.1 mmHg, 9.2 ± 6.1 cm and 53.2 ± 49.8 mL respectively; the mean postdilation values were 3.0 ± 3.0, 34.1 ± 12.5 mmHg, 7.9 ± 5.1 cm and 28.0 ± 30.1 mL respectively. The before dilation volume of barium at 5 min correlates significantly with lower oesophageal sphincter pressure (P