End-stage

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This message is for those wanting to know what end-stage achalasia is.

End-stage achalasia, typically is a massively dilated and tortuous

oesophagus. It is also known as Stage IV achalasia or megaesophagus. The

stages of achalasia are; Stage I-esophageal dilation up to 2-2.5 cm;

Stage II-dilation up to 2.5-4 cm; Stage III up to 5-8 cm and Stage IV –

lengthening and dilation of the esophagus over 8 cm. I have seen some

paper refer to end-stage as starting a 6 cm. As the esophagus lengthens

it bends (becomes tortuous) that often produces an S shape called

sigmoid (the Greek letter for S is sigma). Stage IV is called End-Stage

because there is no stage V and it is final result of lengthening and

dilation. Sometimes, but not always, at this stage the esophagus is so

dysfunctional and unresponsive to treatment that esophagectomy becomes

the treatment option. End-stage does not mean it will kill you though

for some tube feeding or esophagectomy are needed to survive.

notan