Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (Poem) for Achalasia Cardia: Prospective Case Series of 50 Patients.

Abstract

Achalasia cardia (AC) is a primary motility disorder of the esophagus, characterized by absent peristalsis along with incomplete relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Laparoscopic Heller’s cardio-myotomy (LHM) was considered the gold standard for treatment of AC. POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy) is fast emerging as an alternative modality of treatment for AC. It is as effective and with minimal morbidity but there have been reports of post-procedure reflux esophagitis in some percentage of patients. Here in our prospective study we have tried to analyze the efficacy and safety profile and complications of POEM in AC patients who underwent this procedure at a single tertiary care hospital.