Esophageal motor disorders

Refinements continue in the measurement, display, and interpretation of pressure events that serve as signatures of esophageal motor disorders, and esophageal manometry retains its position as the diagnostic gold standard. The focus of attention remains with achalasia, not because of pathophysiologic developments or changing prevalence, but in response to the growing interest in minimally invasive surgery and its success. Some controversy remains regarding the role of preoperative motility assessments in patients undergoing antireflux surgery, as peristaltic features do not solely predict outcome. The disconnect between motor dysfunction and symptoms continues to promote careful consideration of sensory dysfunction as a component of esophageal motor disorders.