POEM: Redefining Achalasia Treatment Options

Are you struggling with achalasia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult and painful? Traditional treatments for achalasia often involve invasive surgeries or repeated dilations, but there's a newer, minimally invasive option that's changing the game: Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). 

In this blog, we'll explore what POEM is, how it works, and why it's becoming a popular choice for patients with achalasia.

Achalasia and POEM 

Achalasia is a chronic and progressive condition caused by damage to the nerves in the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing both solids and liquids. At the heart of the disorder is a malfunctioning Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) that fails to relax, preventing food from passing smoothly into the stomach.

To address this, Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) offers a revolutionary, minimally invasive solution. Unlike traditional surgery, POEM is performed using an upper endoscope, eliminating the need for external incisions and significantly reducing recovery time.

Benefits of POEM 

POEM offers a less invasive, highly effective alternative to traditional surgeries for treating achalasia and related esophageal disorders. Its approach focuses on targeted muscle relaxation to improve swallowing, with fewer complications and a faster return to daily life. The following points highlight the key advantages that make POEM a preferred treatment choice.

• Minimally Invasive and Scarless: POEM is performed using an endoscope inserted through the mouth, so it does not require any external incisions, leading to no visible scars and less trauma to the body.

• Effective Relief of Dysphagia: The procedure directly targets the malfunctioning muscle at the lower end of the esophagus, offering rapid improvement in swallowing and relief from achalasia symptoms.

• Suitable for a Range of Disorders: POEM is not only effective for achalasia but can also treat other esophageal spasm disorders, such as diffuse esophageal spasm and nutcracker/jackhammer esophagus, especially when these conditions do not respond to medications.

• Faster Recovery Compared to Traditional Surgery: Patients typically experience a quicker return to normal eating and daily activities when compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy, which often requires a longer recovery period (up to 6 months for dysphagia relief).

• Less Post-Procedure Pain: Because the approach is internal and less invasive, patients generally report less pain following POEM than those who undergo conventional surgical procedures.

• Outpatient Procedure: POEM is usually performed in an outpatient setting, meaning most patients can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay, reducing hospital-related costs and inconvenience.

• Improved Quality of Life: By effectively addressing the root cause of swallowing difficulties, POEM can dramatically improve the everyday quality of life for patients suffering from achalasia and related esophageal motility disorders.

Risks and Complications 

Since POEM is a minimally invasive procedure, it is generally considered safe. Though complications are uncommon, they can occur and may include:

• Esophageal inflammation

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Infection

• Bleeding caused by esophageal injury

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

• Presence of air in the abdominal cavity (pneumoperitoneum) or in the space between the lungs (pneumomediastinum)

Your trusted destination for GI Treatment : Believers Advanced Centre for Excellence 

When it comes to expert care for achalasia and other complex digestive conditions, the gastroenterology department at Believers Hospital stands out.   Our dedicated team of specialists combines years of experience with cutting-edge techniques like POEM to provide safe, minimally invasive treatments. This means you can expect faster recovery times with less discomfort. At Believers Hospital, we take pride in offering personalized care tailored to your unique needs, supported by the latest medical technology. If you or a loved one is seeking effective treatment for achalasia, don’t hesitate—reach out to Believers Hospital today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward improving your health and quality of life.