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Botulinum toxin, which blocks the release of acetylcholine from cholinergic neurons, has been shown to be an effective treatment for achalasia. However, results from long-term studies suggest a progressive loss of effectiveness over time. In this study, researchers compared long-term outcomes of 37 patients with achalasia: 23 were treated with botulinum toxin injection, and 14 were treated with pneumatic balloon dilation.
Botulinum toxin produced good clinical responses in 17 patients after the first injection and in 2 patients after a second injection (overall response rate, 83%). Balloon dilation produced good clinical responses in 11 patients after initial dilation and in 2 patients after repeat dilation (overall response rate, 93%). No m…