Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia. Are results comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy?

OBJECTIVE

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has recently been introduced as a minimal invasive alternative to conventional treatment for achalasia. This study aimed to clarify the feasibility and the short-term clinical efficacy of POEM as compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM).

METHODS

Treatment outcomes were prospectively recorded and compared between the procedures in a nonrandomized fashion. Reduction rate (RR) in timed barium esophagogram (TBE) was calculated at 1, 2 and 5 min after barium ingestion as: RR = 1- postoperative barium height/preoperative barium height. Risk factors for treatment failure defined as the proportion of patients with RR <0.5 (1 min) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after POEM were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-two consecutive patients who underwent POEM were compared to 41 patients who had a LHM during the immediate time period prior to the introduction of POEM. Ninety percent of the cases reported complete symptom relief after POEM. The percentage of esophageal emptying and RR in TBE improved dramatically by both procedures without significant difference. A longer operation time (odds ratio [OR] 32.80, 95%CI 2.99-359.82, p = 0.004) and younger age (OR 26.81, 95%CI 2.09-344.03, p = 0.012) were the independent predictors of treatment failure after POEM. GER was observed in seven patients where previous dilatation (OR 8.59, 95%CI 1.16-63.45, p = 0.035) and higher body mass index (OR 8.69, 95%CI 1.13-66.63, p = 0.037) were the independent predictors for symptomatic GER after POEM.

CONCLUSION

POEM seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for achalasia in the short-term perspective; an effect well comparable to LHM.

Treatment of esophageal achalasia in children: Today and tomorrow

BACKGROUND

Esophageal achalasia (EA) is a rare esophageal motility disorder in children. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) represents the treatment of choice in young patients. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is becoming an alternative to LHM. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of POEM vs LHM in treatment of children with EA.

METHODS

Data of pediatric patients with EA, who underwent LHM and POEM from February 2009 to December 2013 in two centers, were collected.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (9 male, mean age: 11.6 years; range: 2-17 years) were included. Nine patients (6 male, mean age: 10.7 years; range: 2-16 years) underwent LHM, and the other 9 (3 males, mean age: 12.2 years; range: 6-17 years) underwent POEM procedure. Mean operation time was shorter in POEM group compared with LHM group (62/149 minutes). Myotomy was longer in POEM group than in LHM group (11/7 cm). One major complication occurred after LHM (esophageal perforation). No clinical and manometric differences were observed between LHM and POEM in follow-up. The incidence of iatrogenic gastroesophageal reflux disease was low (1 patient in both groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of a midterm follow-up show that LHM and POEM are safe and effective treatments also in children. Besides, POEM is a mini-invasive technique with an inferior execution timing compared to LHM. A skilled endoscopic team is mandatory to perform this procedure.

The light at the end of the tunnel: a single-operator learning curve analysis for per oral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) represents a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery approach to Heller myotomy. Our center was the first to offer POEM outside of Japan, allowing us to accumulate what is likely the highest single-operator POEM volume in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To define the POEM learning curve of a gastroenterologist by using a larger data set and more detailed statistical analysis than used in 2 other reports of POEM performed by surgeons.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care academic medical center.

PATIENTS

We analyzed the first 93 consecutive POEMs on patients with achalasia aged >18 years without contraindications to POEM performed by a single operator from October 2009 to November 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

(1) Efficiency estimation via cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, (2) mastery estimation via penalized basis-spline regression and CUSUM analysis, (3) correlation of operator experience with clinical outcomes (Eckardt score improvement, lower esophageal sphincter pressure reduction) and technical errors (accidental mucosotomy rate), and (4) unadjusted and adjusted regression analysis to assess how patient characteristics affected procedure time by using a generalized linear model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Clinical outcomes, procedure time, technical errors.

RESULTS

Efficiency was attained after 40 POEMs and mastery after 60 POEMs. When we used the adjusted regression analysis, only case number (operator experience) significantly affected procedure time (P < .0001). Improvements in clinical outcomes were excellent but not significantly affected by operator experience, as was the case with accidental mucosotomies. Procedure time was not significantly affected by age, sex, achalasia stage, baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure, baseline Eckardt score, prior treatment of achalasia, prior botulinum toxin injection, incidence of accidental mucosotomies, length of myotomy, or type of knife used (all P > .05).

LIMITATIONS

Our analysis may underestimate the number of POEMs required to achieve mastery for operators with limited or no endoscopic submucosal dissection experience.

CONCLUSION

These results offer thresholds for efficiency and mastery of a single gastroenterologist operator that may guide the efforts of novice POEM operators.

Chemically assisted peroral endoscopic myotomy with submucosal mesna injection in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a less invasive alternative to standard surgery for the treatment of achalasia. Previous studies have demonstrated that submucosal injections of mesna soften tissues and facilitate endoscopic submucosal dissection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied the technical feasibility of a chemically assisted POEM procedure with mesna injection (CA-POEM) in ten pigs compared with POEM with saline injection in five pigs. We also compared two dissection techniques in CA-POEM, diathermy needle knife dissection (n = 5) and balloon mechanical dissection (n = 5). A 10 cm esophageal submucosal tunnel was created with a needle knife or with balloon mechanical dissection following mesna or saline submucosal injection. Approximately 5 cm of inner circular muscle was then dissected within the tunnel. The tunnel was closed with endoclip application at the mucosal endoscopic entry point. Pigs were sacrificed one week post procedure.

RESULTS

All procedures were successful and all pigs survived for one week. Submucosal tunneling time was significantly shorter in the mesna group (363.8 sec for needle knife dissection and 294.2 sec for balloon dissection) than in the saline group (640 sec), regardless of the dissection method (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the technical feasibility of CA-POEM.

Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represents one of the most significant innovations in surgery to emerge since the advent of laparoscopy. A decade of progress with this approach has now been catalogued, and yet its clinical application remains controversial.

METHODS

A PubMed search was carried out for articles describing NOTES in both the preclinical and the clinical setting. Public perceptions and expert opinion regarding NOTES in the published literature were analysed carefully.

RESULTS

Two hundred relevant articles on NOTES were studied and the outcomes reviewed. A division between direct- and indirect-target NOTES was established. The areas with the most promising clinical application included direct-target NOTES, such as transanal total mesorectal excision and peroral endoscopic myotomy. The clinical experience with distant-target NOTES, such as for appendicectomy and cholecystectomy, showed feasibility; however, NOTES-specific morbidity was introduced and this represents an important limitation.

CONCLUSION

NOTES experimentation in the preclinical setting has increased substantially. There has also been a significant increase in the application of NOTES in humans in the past decade. Enthusiasm for NOTES should be tempered by the risk of incurring NOTES-specific morbidity. Surgeons should carefully consider patient preferences regarding this new minimally invasive option, as opinions are not unanimously supportive of NOTES. As technical limitations are overcome, the clinical application of NOTES is predicted to increase. It is paramount that, when this complex technique is performed on humans, it is applied judiciously by appropriately trained experts with outcomes recorded in a registry.

Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy: A Series of 500 Patients

BACKGROUND

After the first case of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) at our institution in 2008, the procedure was quickly accepted as an alternative to surgical myotomy and is now established as an excellent treatment option for achalasia. This study aimed to examine the safety and outcomes of POEM at our institution.

STUDY DESIGN

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy was performed on 500 consecutive achalasia patients at our institution between September 2008 and November 2013. A review of prospectively collected data was conducted, including procedure time, myotomy location and length, adverse events, and patient data with short- (2 months) and long-term (1 and 3 years) follow-up.

RESULTS

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy was successfully completed in all patients, with adverse events observed in 3.2%. Two months post-POEM, significant reductions in symptom scores (Eckardt score 6.0 ± 3.0 vs 1.0 ± 2.0, p < 0.0001) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures (25.4 ± 17.1 vs 13.4 ± 5.9 mmHg, p < 0.0001) were achieved, and this persisted at 3 years post-POEM. Gastroesophageal reflux was seen in 16.8% of patients at 2 months and 21.3% at 3-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy was successfully completed in all cases, even when extended indications (extremes of age, previous interventions, or sigmoid esophagus) were used. Adverse events were rare (3.2%), and there were no mortalities. Significant improvements in Eckardt scores and LES pressures were seen at 2 months, 1 year, and 3 years post-POEM. Based on our large series, POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia; there are relatively few contraindications, and the procedure may be used as either first- or second-line therapy.

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): emerging trends and specifications for a virtual simulator

INTRODUCTION AND STUDY AIM

A virtual translumenal endoscopic surgical trainer (VTEST) is being developed to accelerate the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures and devices in a safe and risk-free environment. For a rapidly developing field such as NOTES, a needs analysis must be conducted regularly to discover emerging research trends and areas of potential high impact for a virtual simulator. This paper presents a survey-based study which follows a similar study conducted by this group in 2011 (Sankaranarayanan et al. in Surg Endosc 27:1607-1616, 2013).

METHODS

A 32-point questionnaire was distributed at the 2012 Natural Orifice Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research annual meeting. These data were subsequently augmented by an identical online survey, targeted at the members of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight NOTES experts participated in the 2012 study. Cholecystectomy (CE) procedure remained the most commonly performed NOTES technique, with 18 positive responses (64%). In contrast to 2011, the popularity of the NOTES appendectomy (AE) was significantly lower, with only 2 (7%) instances (CE vs. AE, p < 0.001), while the number of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM, PE) cases had increased significantly, with 11 (39%) positive responses, respectively (PE vs. AE, p = 0.013). Strong preference toward hybrid rather than pure NOTES techniques (82 vs. 11%, p < 0.001) was also expressed. Other responses were similar to those in the 2011 study, with the VTEST™ utility in developing and testing new techniques and instruments ranked particularly high.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, a decision was made to focus exclusively on the transvaginal hybrid NOTES cholecystectomy procedure, including both rigid and flexible scope techniques. The importance of developing a virtual NOTES simulator was reaffirmed, with POEM identified as a promising candidate for future simulator development.

Clinical application of endoscopic ultrasonography for esophageal achalasia

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been widely used for evaluating the nature of diseases of various organs. The possibility of applying EUS for esophageal motility diseases has not been well discussed despite its versatility. At present, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia and related diseases has brought new attention to esophageal diseases because POEM provides a more direct approach to the inner structures of the esophageal wall. In the present study, we discuss the clinical utility of EUS in evaluating and treating esophageal motility diseases such as esophageal achalasia and related diseases.

Minimally invasive surgeries for submucosal tumors of the stomach

Submucosal tumors (SMTs) of the gastrointestinal tract, which may be an occasional finding on routine upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and have the potential to progress to malignancy. The primary treatment goal for localized GISTs is surgical resection with achievement of a negative margin (R0 resection). This is the effective way to achieve complete treatment. Minimally invasive surgery has become common in the surgical resection of gastrointestinal SMTs. Recent advances in endoscopic technology provide various treatment modalities for gastric SMTs. Moreover, investigators have developed laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative procedures. In addition, robotic surgery for SMTs is another choice. The purpose of this article is to review recent trends in minimally invasive surgery for gastric SMTs.

Inventing the future of surgery

Surgical innovation relies on patient safety and quality of life, which require a drastic iatrogenic impact reduction. A parallel development toward less invasive approaches has occurred in the field of surgery, interventional radiology, and endoscopy. Minimally invasive techniques provide unquestionable benefits to patients in terms of postoperative outcome. However, those techniques are not intuitive, and extensive training is required to overcome the inherent challenges and to be proficient and consequently to achieve a steep learning curve. Technologies have been developed by computer science and robotics departments, which might improve minimally invasive techniques. A new concept of cyber therapies is emerging through the development of computer and robotic sciences aiming at human-machine integration. Additionally, the convergence of surgery, endoscopy, and interventional radiology toward a hybrid therapeutic modality, namely image-guided minimally invasive procedures, holds promises insofar as they could well maximize benefits in terms of efficacy and iatrogenic impact. In the present manuscript, the mainstays of these new paradigm developments are briefly outlined in light of our experience and vision of the future.

Optimizing Patient Selection and Outcomes for Surgical Treatment of GERD and Achalasia

OPINION STATEMENT

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder in the United States and other western countries. In addition to troublesome symptoms, this condition is associated with impaired quality of life and the potential for disease progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Acid suppression medications are extremely effective for the relief of heartburn symptoms, but don't address the physiologic derangements that cause reflux. The goal of an antireflux procedure is to correct these defects and abolish the dietary and lifestyle compromises that accompany medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux. The Nissen fundoplication has a long and well-established track record and new options such as the LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation device allow correction of reflux with fewer side-effects than a fundoplication in appropriate patients. These options should be considered in patients incompletely satisfied on medical therapy and in those with risk factors for disease progression. The role of these therapies in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease will be reviewed in this chapter. Achalasia is an uncommon motility disorder of the esophagus that leads to profound dysphagia symptoms and greatly impaired alimentary satisfaction. Pneumatic dilation offers an endoscopic approach to the management of these patients, but often requires repeated dilatations due to the inconsistent disruption of the lower esophageal sphincter with this technique. An alternative is a laparoscopic Heller myotomy, which offers precise division of the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter, but requires incisions and lifestyle restrictions while healing. A new therapy, per-oral endoscopic myotomy, allows the precise division of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle as in a laparoscopic myotomy, but is done endoscopically with no external incisions. The role of these therapies in patients will be reviewed in this chapter.

New endoscopic indicator of esophageal achalasia: "pinstripe pattern"

Background and Study Aims

Endoscopic diagnosis of esophageal achalasia lacking typical endoscopic features can be extremely difficult. The aim of this study was to identify simple and reliable early indicator of esophageal achalasia.

Patients and Methods

This single-center retrospective study included 56 cases of esophageal achalasia without previous treatment. As a control, 60 non-achalasia subjects including reflux esophagitis and superficial esophageal cancer were also included in this study. Endoscopic findings were evaluated according to Descriptive Rules for Achalasia of the Esophagus as follows: (1) esophageal dilatation, (2) abnormal retention of liquid and/or food, (3) whitish change of the mucosal surface, (4) functional stenosis of the esophago-gastric junction, and (5) abnormal contraction. Additionally, the presence of the longitudinal superficial wrinkles of esophageal mucosa, “pinstripe pattern (PSP)” was evaluated endoscopically. Then, inter-observer diagnostic agreement was assessed for each finding.

Results

The prevalence rates of the above-mentioned findings (1–5) were 41.1%, 41.1%, 16.1%, 94.6%, and 43.9%, respectively. PSP was observed in 60.7% of achalasia, while none of the control showed positivity for PSP. PSP was observed in 26 (62.5%) of 35 cases with shorter history < 10 years, which usually lacks typical findings such as severe esophageal dilation and tortuosity. Inter-observer agreement level was substantial for food/liquid remnant (k = 0.6861) and PSP (k = 0.6098), and was fair for abnormal contraction and white change. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for achalasia were 83.8%, 64.7%, and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

“Pinstripe pattern” could be a reliable indicator for early discrimination of primary esophageal achalasia.

A new technique for performing endoscopic pyloromyotomy by gastric submucosal tunnel dissection

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of a new endoscopic pyloromyotomy technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endoscopic pyloromyotomy through a gastric submucosal tunnel was performed in 6 pigs. At the greater curvature, 2 cm proximal to the pylorus, we incised the mucosa and dissected the submucosal tunnel up to the pyloric ring. The pyloric muscular ring was sectioned, and then the gastric mucosal incision was closed with metallic clips. The pigs were then euthanized and necropsies were performed.

RESULTS

Section of the pyloric ring was successful in all 6 pigs. Small perforations occurred in 2 of the pigs, and there was limited bleeding in 1 pig. Necropsy and histologic evaluation confirmed the pyloric section.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is feasible, easy to perform, and maybe alternative to pyloroplasty in selected cases. Experimental comparative studies with other techniques still must be performed.

Submucosal tunneling and endoscopic resection of submucosal tumors at the esophagogastric junction

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of submucosal tunneling and endoscopic resection (STER) for treating submucosal tumors (SMTs).

METHODS: Between August 2012 and October 2013, 21 patients with SMTs originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer at the esophagogastric junction were treated by STER of their tumors. Key steps of the procedure include: (1) mucosal incision: a 2-cm longitudinal mucosal incision was made 5 cm proximal to the tumor; (2) submucosal tunneling: a submucosal tunnel was created 5 cm proximal to and 1 to 2 cm distal to the tumor; (3) tumor resection: the SMT was resected under direct endoscopic viewing; (4) hemostasis: while finishing the tumor resection, careful hemostasis of the MP defect and the tunnel was performed; and (5) mucosal closure: the mucosal incision site was closed by using hemostatic clips. During the operation, equipment used included a cap-fitted endoscope, an insulated-tip knife, a hook knife, hemostatic forceps, an injection needle, a snare, an endoclip, and a high-frequency generator. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation was achieved by using a CO₂ insufflator.

RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 46.2 years (range, 35-59 years), and the majority were male (18 male vs 3 female). Complete resection rate was 100% (21/21). Eighteen lesions were resected en bloc. Mean tumor size was 23 mm (range, 10-40 mm), and mean procedure time was 62.9 min (range, 45-90 min). Pathological diagnosis of these tumors included leiomyoma (15 out of 21) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (6 out of 21). Full-thickness MP resection was performed in 9 of 21 patients (42.9%), with mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema occurring in all nine. At the completion of the procedure, all patients received closure of the incision with hemoclips. One patient required percutaneous drainage. The remaining 20 patients required no further endoscopic or surgical intervention. There were no incidents of massive or delayed bleeding. The median follow-up period after the procedure was 6 mo (range, 2-14 mo). During follow-up, no patients were found to have residual or recurrent tumor or esophageal stricture.

CONCLUSION: STER is safe, effective and feasible, which provides accurate histopathologic evaluation and curative treatment for SMTs originating from the MP layer at the esophagogastric junction.

[Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia. Literature review and own initial experience]

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new, purely endoscopic procedure for treatment of achalasia. Due to the lack of incisions POEM can be regarded as a true NOTES procedure. With POEM a myotomy is created in a similar fashion to the previous standard treatment, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). The relatively free choice of length and localization of the myotomy may be regarded as advantages of POEM. The procedure starts with a mucosal incision (mucosal entry) followed by preparation of a submucosal tunnel crossing the esophagogastric junction and creation of a myotomy in an antegrade direction before the mucosal access is closed with endoscopic clip placement. Since the first description of the application of POEM in humans in 2010 by the pioneer Haruhiro Inoue, Yokohama, Japan, it has been used increasingly and investigated in some centers in Asia, the U.S.A. and also Europe. The results are very promising. Although the procedure is technically demanding it can be performed safely with low complication rates. The POEM procedure achieves very good control of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux witch is only a rare side-effect witch is well-controllable with proton pump inhibitors (PPI). We review the currently available data from the literature and present our own initial series of  14 patients treated with POEM.

Next step in minimally invasive surgery: hybrid image-guided surgery

Surgery, interventional radiology, and advanced endoscopy have all developed minimally invasive techniques to effectively treat a variety of diseases with positive impact on patients' postoperative outcomes. However, those techniques are challenging and require extensive training. Robotics and computer sciences can help facilitate minimally invasive approaches. Furthermore, surgery, advanced endoscopy, and interventional radiology could converge towards a new hybrid specialty, hybrid image-guided minimally invasive therapies, in which the three fundamental disciplines could complement one another to maximize the positive effects and reduce the iatrogenic footprint on patients. The present manuscript describes the fundamental steps of this new paradigm shift in surgical therapies that, in our opinion, will be the next revolutionary step in minimally invasive approaches.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for simultaneous esophageal and cardia submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer (with video)

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) is a new treatment technique for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMT) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer. In contrast to conventional endoscopic resection, the new therapy can maintain the mucosal integrity of the digestive tract, which effectively prevents mediastinitis and peritonitis. STER, although a known method, has not been widely adopted because of technical difficulties. Here, we describe the case of a 30-year-old patient presenting with two separate SMT originating from the esophageal and cardia MP layer. A 2-cm longitudinal mucosal incision was made approximately 5 cm proximal to the esophageal SMT, and the esophageal and cardia SMT were dissected successively in the same submucosal tunnel. In the relevant literature, this is the first case of STER for resecting esophageal and cardia SMT using the same submucosal tunnel.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel endoscopic technique for treatment of achalasia (AC) and has shown exciting results in adults. However, little is known about the safety and efficacy of POEM in children and adolescents. Herein we report our preliminary results of POEM for children and adolescents with AC.

METHODS

POEM was performed in 9 consecutive patients with AC, whose age ranged from 10 to 17years. After submucosal injection, a submucosal tunnel was created. Endoscopic myotomy of muscle bundles was then achieved under direct vision. The mucosal entry was closed by several clips. A validated clinical symptom score (Eckardt score), LES pressure, esophageal diameters and procedure-related complications were used to evaluate the outcomes.

RESULTS

All 9 patients underwent POEM successfully. Mean operation time was 56.7minutes. Mean myotomy length was 8.3cm. Among them, 4 patients underwent circular myotomy and 5 underwent full-thickness myotomy. Symptoms remitted in all of the cases during a follow-up of 3-30months, Eckardt score was significantly reduced (preoperation vs postoperation, 7.0±1.9 vs 0.8±0.8, P<0.05). Mean LES pressure decreased from 26.8mm Hg to 9.1mm Hg. Mean diameter of esophagus was dramatically decreased (preoperation vs postoperation, 50.6±4.9mm vs 29.6±3.7mm, P<0.05). No serious complications related to POEM were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our initial experience suggests that POEM is a safe and effective method for treatment of achalasia in children and adolescents. Further evaluation and long-term data are mandatory for a more confirmed conclusion.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal primary motility disorders: analysis of 100 consecutive patients

INTRODUCTION

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a flexible endoscopic approach to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) providing access for a myotomy to relieve dysphagia. The technique has been adopted worldwide due to reports of excellent short-term clinical outcomes. We report on a consecutive patient cohort with clinical and objective outcomes representing the establishment of a POEM program within a busy esophageal surgical practice.

METHODS

Comprehensive data was collected prospectively on all patients undergoing POEM from October 2010 to November 2013 at a single institution. Patients were classified based on high-resolution manometry (HRM). Operative data and immediate outcomes were reviewed. Symptom scores, HRM, and timed barium swallow (TBS) were performed prior to the procedure. Patients were asked to undergo routine postoperative testing 6-12 months after surgery with the addition of standard 24-h pH to the preoperative protocol. Morbidity was defined as requiring additional procedures or prolonged hospital stay >2 days.

RESULTS

One hundred POEM patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 58 years (18-83 years). Primary presenting symptoms included dysphagia 81, chest pain 10, and regurgitation 9. The mean follow-up was 16 months. HRM diagnoses were 75 achalasia (30 type I, 43 type II, 2 type III), 12 nutcracker esophagus, 5 diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and 8 isolated hypertensive non-relaxing LES. The mean operative time was 128 min. The median hospital length of stay (LOS) was 1 day. The overall morbidity was 6%; all were treated endoscopically or with conservative management without further sequelae (three had intra-tunnel leak diagnosed on routine esophagram and one developed a postoperative intra-tunnel hemorrhage, one developed Ogilvie's, and one required prolonged intubation for CO2 retention). The average LES resting/residual pressure significantly decreased (44.3/22.2 to 19.6/11.7 in millimeters of mercury). Esophageal emptying improved from 40 to 90% on TBS with 93% patients demonstrating >90% emptying at 1 min. Of the achalasia patients, 36% (17/47) showed some return of normal peristalsis (≥70% peristalsis) on post-op HRM. Abnormal acid exposure was present on postoperative testing in 38% (26/68). Of these, 14 were asymptomatic. No reflux patient required additional antireflux procedure. Eckardt scores decreased from 6 to 1. Dysphagia was improved or eradicated in 97% with a complete resolution accomplished in 89%. Complete dysphagia relief was better for achalasia patients (46/47 patients; 97.8%) vs. non-achalasia patients (17/24; 70.8%). Of those with preoperative chest pain, 91.5% reported complete relief. Four patients have refractory dysphagia. Two non-achalasia patients underwent subsequent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and two are improved following serial endoscopic dilatations.

CONCLUSION

This study represents the largest POEM series to date that includes objective data. Despite reflux in one/three of patients, POEM provides excellent relief of dysphagia (97%) and chest pain (91.5%) for patients with esophageal spastic disorders with acceptable procedural morbidity.

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy: emerging indications and evolving techniques

Esophageal achalasia is a benign esophageal motility disorder resulting from an impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The principles of treatment involve disruption of the sphincter at the esophagogastric junction. Treatment techniques include balloon dilatation, botulinum toxin injection, and surgical myotomy. In 2008, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was introduced by Inoue et al. as an endoscopic myotomy with no skin incision. The procedure has been well accepted and widely applied owing to its minimal invasiveness and high cure rates. Moreover, there have been discussions on wider indications for POEM and new technical developments have been reported. The present article reviews the historical background and present status of POEM, as well as future prospects for its application in the treatment of esophageal achalasia.

Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia in pediatric patients: a prospective, single-center study

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed to provide a less-invasive myotomy for achalasia in adults but seldom has been used in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of POEM for pediatric patients with achalasia.

DESIGN

Single-center, prospective study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENTS

A total of 27 pediatric patients (mean age 13.8 years, range 6-17 years) with achalasia.

INTERVENTIONS POEM MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, clinical reflux adverse events, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry before and after POEM.

RESULTS

A total of 26 cases (96.3%) underwent successful POEM. A submucosal tunnelling attempt failed in 1 case because of serious inflammation and adhesion. No serious adverse events related to POEM were encountered. During a mean follow-up period of 24.6 months (range 15-38 months), treatment success was achieved in all patients (mean score before vs after treatment 8.3 vs 0.7; P < .001). Mean LES pressure also decreased from a mean of 31.6 mm Hg to 12.9 mm Hg after POEM (P < .001). Five patients developed clinical reflux adverse events (19.2%).

LIMITATIONS

Single center and lack of some objective evaluations.

CONCLUSION

This relatively long-term follow-up study adds to the evidence that POEM seems to be a promising new treatment for pediatric patients with achalasia, resulting in long-term symptom relief in all cases and without serious adverse events.

New therapies for non-cardiac chest pain

After excluding a cardiac cause, potent anti-reflux therapy should be administered to patients with non-cardiac chest pain since gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common underlying mechanism of this disorder. If GERD is an unlikely cause of patient's symptoms, an esophageal motor disorder should be excluded. Spastic motility disorders can be treated with a smooth muscle relaxant (such as calcium channel blocker, nitrate, or phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors). Alternatively, spastic motility disorders may respond to anti-spasmodics, pain modulators, botulinum toxin injection into the distal esophagus, and/or surgery. Patients with functional chest pain have recently seen an expanded treatment armamentarium including medications such as trazadone, tricyclic anti-depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, pregabalin, and/or ramelteon.

Developments in flexible endoscopic surgery: a review

Flexible endoscopy is increasingly developing into a therapeutic instead of a purely diagnostic discipline. Improved visualization makes early lesions easily detectable and allows us to decide ad hoc on the required treatment. Deep enteroscopy allows the exploration of even the small bowel - for long a "white spot" for gastrointestinal endoscopy - and to perform direct treatment. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a considerable step forward in oncologically correct endoscopic treatment of (early) malignant lesions. Though still technically challenging, it is increasingly facilitated by new manipulation techniques and tools that are being steadily optimized. Closure of wall defects and hemostasis could be improved significantly. Even the anatomy beyond the gastrointestinal wall is being explored by the therapeutic use of endoluminal ultrasound. Endosonographic-guided surgery is not only a suitable fallback solution if conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography fails, but even makes necrosectomy procedures, abscess drainage, and neurolysis feasible for the endoscopist. Newly developed endoscopic approaches aim at formerly distinctive surgical domains like gastroesophageal reflux disease, appendicitis, and cholecystitis. Combined endoscopic/laparoscopic interventional techniques could become the harbingers of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, whereas pure natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is currently still in its beginnings.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus: long-term outcomes from a prospective, single-center study

BACKGROUND

The sigmoid-shaped esophagus is considered to be the advanced stage of achalasia, in which the esophageal lumen is significantly dilated, swerved, and rotated. In consideration of the efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for early achalasia, it may also offer another option for the treatment of advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and long-term efficacy of POEM for patients with sigmoid-type achalasia.

METHODS

32 consecutive patients with sigmoid-type achalasia (S1 type in 29 patients and S2 type in 3 patients) were prospectively included. Primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score ≤3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, the resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, clinical reflux complications, and procedure-related parameters.

RESULTS

All cases received POEM successfully. The mean operation time was 63.7 min (range 22-130 min). No serious complications related to POEM were encountered. During a mean follow-up period of 30.0 months (range 24-44 months), treatment success was achieved e in 96.8% of cases (mean score pre- vs. post-treatment 7.8 vs. 1.4; P < 0.001). Mean LES pressure also decreased from a mean of 37.9 to 12.9 mmHg after POEM (P < 0.001). One patient experienced only partial symptom relief and additional balloon dilations were carried out to relief the symptoms twice. The overall clinical reflux complication rate of POEM for sigmoid-type achalasia was 25.8%.

CONCLUSION

The 2-year outcomes of POEM for advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus were excellent, resulting in long-term symptom relief in over 96% cases and without serious complications. The morphological changes of esophagus may make subsequent endoscopic tunneling more challenging and time-consuming, but do not prevent successful POEM.

Endoscopic pneumatic dilation versus botulinum toxin injection in the management of primary achalasia

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is an oesophageal motility disorder, of unknown cause, which results in increased lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) tone and symptoms of difficulty swallowing. Treatments are aimed at reducing the LOS tone. Current endoscopic therapeutic options include pneumatic dilation (PD) or botulinum toxin (BTX) injection.

OBJECTIVES

To undertake a systematic review comparing the efficacy and safety of two endoscopic treatments, PD and intrasphincteric BTX injection, in the treatment of oesophageal achalasia.

SEARCH METHODS

Trials were initially identified by searching MEDLINE (1966 to August 2008), EMBASE (1980 to September 2008), ISI Web of Science (1955 to September 2008), The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2008.  Searches in all databases were conducted in October 2005 and updated in September 2008 and April 2014. The Cochrane highly sensitive search strategy for identifying randomised trials in MEDLINE, sensitivity maximising version in the Ovid format, was combined with specific search terms to identify randomised controlled trials in MEDLINE. The MEDLINE search strategy was adapted for use in the other databases that were searched.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing PD to BTX injection in individuals with primary achalasia.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed study quality assessment and data extraction.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven studies involving 178 participants were included. Two studies were excluded from the meta-analysis of remission rates on the basis of clinical heterogeneity of the initial endoscopic protocols. There was no significant difference between PD or BTX treatment in remission within four weeks of the initial intervention; with a risk ratio of remission of 1.11 (95% CI 0.97 to 1.27). There was also no significant difference in the mean oesophageal pressures between the treatment groups; with a weighted mean difference for PD of -0.77 (95% CI -2.44 to 0.91, P = 0.37). Data on remission rates following the initial endoscopic treatment were available for three studies at six months and four studies at 12 months. At six months 46 of 57 PD participants were in remission compared to 29 of 56 in the BTX group, giving a risk ratio of 1.57 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.08, P = 0.0015); whilst at 12 months 55 of 75 PD participants were in remission compared to 27 of 72 BTX participants, with a risk ratio of 1.88 (95% CI 1.35 to 2.61, P = 0.0002). No serious adverse outcomes occurred in participants receiving BTX, whilst PD was complicated by perforation in three cases.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that PD is the more effective endoscopic treatment in the long term (greater than six months) for patients with achalasia.

Thoracic CT after peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a promising new endoscopic method for the treatment of achalasia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the value of routine postoperative CT of the chest to detect POEM-associated adverse events.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Between August 2010 and July 2012, 428 patients underwent POEM. Three hundred postprocedure CT POEM patients were retrospectively analyzed and findings correlated with clinical outcome and management.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The frequency of postoperative pathological CT scan findings after POEM and the rate of interventions required for adverse event management.

RESULTS

The main CT findings could be divided into frequent and reversible sequelae of POEM, pneumomediastinum (48%), pneumoperitoneum (37%), and subcutaneous emphysema (28%), and into potential adverse events such as pneumothorax (17%), pleural effusion (66%), pneumonitis (52%), and focal atelectasis (21%). Only 17 of 50 patients with pneumothorax (5.6% of all patients) and 2 of 200 patients with pleural effusion (0.7% of all patients) required interventional treatment based on clinical symptoms. In 1 patient, a hematoma was observed on a CT scan before any clinical manifestation occurred. Increasing age and the use of air instead of CO2 were associated with an increased rate of pneumothorax (P = .031; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-1.049 and P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 0.012-0.157, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine chest CT scan for achalasia patients undergoing POEM is probably not warranted because of the high rate of minor and clinically irrelevant findings. The use of CO2 is obligatory to reduce related adverse events.

Laparoscopic Heller myotomy as the gold standard for treatment of achalasia

INTRODUCTION

The recent introductions of novel methods for the treatment of achalasia as well as ongoing controversies about the merits of surgical and endoscopic treatment options have created controversy in identifying the optimal treatment for this condition. This lack of clarity prompted this review of 206 consecutive patients treated with a laparoscopic Heller (LH) myotomy over a 16-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed of 206 consecutive LH performed by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 58 % of patients had undergone a prior therapeutic intervention. Over 90 % of patients had relief of dysphagia post-operatively. There was one intraoperative esophageal perforation. There were no mortalities. Only 4/206 patients sustained complications that required either post-op therapeutic intervention or delayed hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

This paper outlines an operative technique that has yielded outstanding results and may be used as a benchmark against which other therapies can be judged.

Jackhammer esophagus treated by a peroral endoscopic myotomy

A 49-year-old woman visited our hospital with dysphagia and chest pain. In another hospital, she was diagnosed as reflux esophagitis. Although she had taken proton pump inhibitor and prokinetics drugs for a long time, she was not relieved of any symptoms. On the basis of high resolution manometry and endoscopic ultrasonography findings, Jackhammer esophagus was diagnosed. In this patient, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed for long myotomy of thickened circular muscle. During the procedure, there were no significant complications and she was discharged uneventfully. Symptoms were completely improved during three months after POEM. Here, we report on a case of Jackhammer esophagus treated by POEM.

Characterization of force and torque interactions during a simulated transgastric appendectomy procedure

We have developed an instrumented endoscope grip handle equipped with a six-axis load cell and measured forces and torques during a simulated transgastric natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery appendectomy procedure performed in an EASIE-R ex vivo simulator. The data were collected from ten participating surgeons of varying degrees of expertise which was analyzed to compute a set of six force and torque parameters for each coordinate axis for each of the nine tasks of the appendectomy procedure. The mean push/pull force was found to be 3.64 N (σ = 3.54 N) in the push direction and the mean torque was 3.3 N · mm (σ = 38.6 N · mm) in the counterclockwise direction about the push/pull axis. Most interestingly, the force and torque data about the nondominant x and z axes showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the expert and novice groups for five of the nine tasks. These data may be useful in developing surgical platforms especially new haptic devices and simulation systems for emerging natural orifice procedures.

Long-term outcomes of balloon dilation versus botulinum toxin injection in patients with primary achalasia

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We compared the long-term outcomes of balloon dilation versus botulinum toxin injection in Korean patients with primary achalasia and identified factors predicting remission.

METHODS

We included 73 patients with achalasia newly diagnosed between January 1988 and January 2011. We ultimately enrolled 37 of 55 patients with primary achalasia through telephone interviews, who were observed for over 1 year. Short-term outcomes were evaluated from the medical records based on symptom relief after 1 month of treatment. Long-term outcomes were evaluated in a telephone interview using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were administered a botulinum toxin injection and 12 underwent balloon dilation. One month after the botulinum toxin injection, improvements were seen in chest pain (14 [56.0%] to 4 patients [16.0%]), regurgitation (16 [64.0%] to 4 [16.0%]), and dysphagia (25 [100.0%] to 5 [20.0%]). In the balloon dilation group, chest pain (8 [66.7%] to 1 [8.3%]), regurgitation (11 [91.7%] to 1 [8.3%]), and dysphagia (12 [100.0%] to 1 [8.3%]) had improved. A significant difference was observed in the mean remission duration between the botulinum toxin injection and balloon dilation groups (13 months [range, 1 to 70] vs. 29 months [range, 6 to 72], respectively; p = 0.036). Independent factors predicting long-term remission included treatment type (odds ratio [OR], 6.982; p = 0.036) and the difference in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure (OR, 7.198; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Balloon dilation may be more efficacious than botulinum toxin for providing long-term remission in Korean patients with achalasia. Follow-up manometry may predict the long-term outcome.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for nutcracker esophagus. Three cases with 12 months follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been introduced as a new treatment of achalasia, and studies are emerging on POEM treatment of other esophageal motility disorders. The effects of medical treatment, botox injections and dilatations are often limited in patients with severe nutcracker esophagus (NE). We therefore decided to perform POEM in three patients with severe NE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Informed consent was provided. POEM was performed under general anesthesia on the distal esophagus and upper stomach. At 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively all patients had clinical follow-up, barium swallow and high-resolution manometry.

RESULTS

All patients displayed marked improvement with a significant reduction in Eckardt score at follow-up after 1 year, from 10, 10 and 11 to 3, 1 and 1, respectively. During follow-up, the patients were diagnosed with increased reflux index and one patient was diagnosed with gastroparesis.

CONCLUSION

Considering our results, treating severe NE with POEM has to be considered in the future; however, further studies have to confirm this.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the alternative treatment for achalasia. Due to concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), it becomes popular and widely accepted. With the endoluminal technique, submucosal tunnel was created followed by endoscopic myotomy. POEM is not only indicated in classical achalasia but also other abnormal esophageal motility disorders. Moreover, failures of endoscopic treatment or surgical attempted cases are not contraindicated for POEM. The second attempted POEM is also safe and technically feasible. Even though the legend of success of POEM is fruitful, the possible complications are very frightened. Good training and delicate practice will reduce rate of complications. This review provides a summary of current state-of-the-art of POEM, including indication equipments, technique and complications. This perfect procedure may become the treatment of choice of achalasia and some esophageal motility disorders in the near future.

Treatment of esophageal motility disorders based on the chicago classification

OPINION STATEMENT

The Chicago Classification divides esophageal motor disorders based on the recorded value of the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP). The first group includes those with an elevated mean IRP that is associated with peristaltic abnormalities such as achalasia and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction. The second group includes those with a normal mean IRP that is associated with esophageal hypermotility disorders such as distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus (jackhammer esophagus), and hypertensive peristalsis (nutcracker esophagus). The third group includes those with a normal mean IRP that is associated with esophageal hypomotility peristaltic abnormalities such as absent peristalsis, weak peristalsis with small or large breaks, and frequent failed peristalsis. The therapeutic options vary greatly between the different groups of esophageal motor disorders. In achalasia patients, potential treatment strategies comprise medical therapy (calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors), endoscopic procedures (botulinum toxin A injection, pneumatic dilation, or peroral endoscopic myotomy) or surgery (Heller myotomy). Patients with a normal IRP and esophageal hypermotility disorder are candidates for medical therapy (nitrates, calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, cimetropium/ipratropium bromide, proton pump inhibitors, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, trazodone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), endoscopic procedures (botulinum toxin A injection and peroral endoscopic myotomy), or surgery (Heller myotomy). Lastly, in patients with a normal IRP and esophageal hypomotility disorder, treatment is primarily focused on controlling the presence of gastroesophageal reflux with proton pump inhibitors and lifestyle modifications (soft and liquid diet and eating in the upright position) to address patient's dysphagia.