Diffuse esophageal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus (Jackhammer)

What is diffuse esophageal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus (Jackhammer)?

They are diseases in which there are very intense abnormal contractions along the esophagus.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms are chest pain, which can be as severe as a heart attack, and difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia. In advanced stages, weight loss occurs due to fear of eating.

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made by means of a high-resolution manometry that will inform us about the type of disease, its length and the degree of involvement.

It is essential to perform a quality upper digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy) and a radiological transit beforehand, in order to rule out other diseases.

If you are looking for a second opinion about your endoscopic treatment or have been offered a surgical solution, contact us.

How is it treated?

The only effective treatment is POEM or endoscopic myotomy. Through an upper digestive endoscopy, without the need for surgical incisions, the affected muscle is treated and we restore the natural passage of food.

Other options such as drugs, endoscopic dilation, endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin, and surgery (Heller myotomy) are not effective and are more aggressive.

The Endos Advanced team introduced POEM in our country, is especially dedicated to this technique and has extensive experience in treating complex patients who have not responded to other treatments.