By The minimally invasive endoscopic treatment known as Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is mostly used to treat achalasia, a disease in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is not as relaxed, making it harder for the oesophagus to move food into the stomach.
Achalasia Refractory to existing Treatments**: Patients may be evaluated for POEM if they do not sufficiently respond to existing achalasia treatments, such as pneumatic dilatation, injections of botulinum toxin, or medicine.
All three forms of achalasia—Type I (classic), Type II (with esophageal compression), and Type III (spastic)—are successfully treated with POEM. However, in cases where surgery is unsuccessful, it is especially helpful for Type III achalasia.
POEM may be appropriate for patients with non-relaxing LES, generalised esophageal spasm, jackhammer oesophagus, and other esophageal motility abnormalities in addition to achalasia.
Candidates for POEM include patients with substantial dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), regurgitation, and chest discomfort associated with esophageal motility problems.
In cases of Achalasia cardiaca accompanied by esophageal diverticula or previous esophageal surgery, POEM may also be taken into consideration.
Patients must be capable of providing informed consent and be aware of the procedure’s risks, advantages, and alternatives. This include being aware of potential side effects such infection, perforation, and GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease).
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an esophageal motility issue and is having trouble swallowing food down their throat, you should speak with a senior gastroenterologist who specialises in third space endoscopy to see whether POEM is a suitable course of treatment.
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