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Chronic opioid use can be associated with esophageal dysmotility and dysphagia (NEJM JW Gen Med Jan 15 2024 and Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:2123). In this prospective study from Spain, researchers examined the response to stopping opioids in 27 long-term opioid users (mean age, 69) who had dysphagia and manometric findings consistent with opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (e.g., hypercontractility, outflow obstruction).
Nineteen patients were able to stop taking opioids and returned for evaluation after 7 opioid-free days. Mean scores on a standardized 12-point dysphagia questionnaire improved from 8 at baseline to 2.5 after opioid cessation. Manometric abnormalities resolved completely in 10 patients and partially improved in most of t…