[Manometric and radiologic aspects of Chagas' megaesophagus: the importance to its surgical treatment].

This study analyzed the radiologic and manometric findings of 43 patients suffering from chagasic megaesophagus with positive tests for Chagas' disease. There was a significant reduction in the high pressure levels of the body of the esophagus related to the stage of the disease: stage I/II--42.9 mmHg; stage III--23.6 mmHg; stage IV--15.6 mmHg. It was observed that 5 (35.7%) stage III patients had high pressure levels below 20 mmHg and presented advanced megaesophagus and these underwent a subtotal esophagectomy following esophagogastroplasty instead of cardiomyotomy with anti-reflux valve. The manometric study in stage III patients with chagasic megaesophagus was considered helpful to indicate which surgical procedure would be best for these patients.