Achalasia

Overview

Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when the food tube (esophagus) loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn't fully relax. The reason for these problems is damage to the nerves in the esophagus. There's no cure, but achalasia symptoms can usually be managed with minimally invasive (endoscopic) therapy or surgery.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for achalasia

• Diagnostic expertise. Achalasia can be mistaken for other digestive tract disorders. Mayo Clinic specialists experienced in treating achalasia use state-of-the-art imaging to pinpoint the cause of your problem.
• Minimally invasive approach. If you need surgery for achalasia, Mayo surgeons typically use laparoscopic techniques, which usually involve less pain and faster recovery than traditional surgery.
• New ideas. Mayo Clinic researchers are researching new treatments for achalasia. You have access to the expertise of Mayo's clinician-researchers.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for digestive disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for digestive disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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