Achalasia of the esophagus is a chronic and progressive motility disorder characterized by lack of esophageal motility associated with impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and usually with increased LES pressure, resulting in altered bolus passage through the cardio-esophageal junction. Currently established treatment options include pneumatic dilation, Heller's cardiomyotomy, botulinum toxin injection, oral endoscopic cardiomyotomy, and esophagectomy for refractory, terminal disease. Despite their effectiveness, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapse and require rc-trcatmcnt. In this context, several new therapies arc being explored
that promise to enrich our therapeutic arsenal for patients with cardiac achalasia in the future. This review highlights the role of self-expanding metal stents in the treatment of patients with achalasia. Their possible position in the therapeutic algorithm of achalasia is also assessed along with established and new methods.