A utility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) across the spectrum of esophageal motility disorders

Peroral esophageal myotomy for esophageal motility disorders

The concept of third space endoscopy first described in 2007, was adapted and performed in humans in 2010 by Inoue et al. in a group of patients with esophageal achalasia (EA). Since then, esophageal endoscopic myotomy (E-POEM), has been performed in more than 10,000 patients worldwide up to now. Safety and efficacy have been confirmed at early, mid and long-term evaluations, in different gastrointestinal diseases including achalasia, refractory gastroparesis, and other esophageal motility disorders (EMD). Nowadays, this treatment has shown to be not only an excellent option, but also with its excellent outcomes, the first option in certain clinical scenarios such as type III achalasia. Thus, the minimal invasive nature of POEM gives us multiple advantages compared with the classical treatments that includes pneumatic dilation (PD) and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), including not only clinical aspects but also economical. High resolution manometry (HRM) has substantially redefined the actual approach of esophageal motility disorders with the major changes in instrumental use, diagnostic algorithms, and therapeutics. The previous Chicago's classification V 3.0 clearly improved our knowledge about pathophysiology of spastic esophageal motor disorders, however, with its recent update (Chicago V 4.0), multiple changes in diagnosis and treatment are expected. In the present article, we aimed to review and analyze the most important aspects about the results of E-POEM in the management of EMD according to the view of the new Chicago's classification V 4.0.

Safety of same-day discharge after peroral endoscopic myotomy

There are limited data on the safety of same-day discharge (SDD) after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The aim of our study is to assess the frequency and relationship to POEM for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations after SDD in these patients. We retrospectively identified consecutive patients between November 2019 and August 2021 who underwent POEM with SDD and at least 6 months follow-up. Criteria for SDD includes: (1) no serious procedure-related adverse event; (2) post-POEM esophagram without leak; (3) stable vital signs; (4) ability to take liquids orally; (5) pain controlled without IV analgesia; (6) adequate social support; (7) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I-III. A causative relationship between POEM and ED visits and hospitalizations was assigned by consensus. Out of 185 POEMs performed, 78 (41.7%, 42M, mean 51±16 years) had SDD. Within 30 days of POEM, 8 ED visits occurred in 7/78 (9%) patients and 2 (25%) were considered related to POEM; hospitalization was required in 3 (38%). After 30 days, 11 ED visits occurred in 10/78 (12.8%) patients and 1 (9%) was considered related to POEM; hospitalization was required in 5 (45%). In this study of consecutive SDD patients after POEM, 3/19 (16%) ED visits and 2/8 (25%) hospitalizations within 6 months were considered related to the procedure. Therefore, eligible patients who follow and fulfill a strict protocol after POEM may be safely discharged the same day.

Role of functional luminal imaging probe in the management of postmyotomy clinical failure

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A small percentage of patients with esophageal dysmotility disorders (EDDs) fail to improve or relapse after management by laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In this study, we aimed to describe the role of functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) in identifying patients who might benefit from lower esophageal sphincter (LES)-directed retreatment.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study at 6 tertiary care centers (United States, 4; Europe, 1; Asia, 1) between January 2015 and April 2021 involving patients with prior failed myotomy. The primary outcome was the impact of the use of FLIP on the management of patients with prior failed myotomy.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-three patients (62 women [50%]; mean age, 53 ± 21.1 years) who underwent LHM (n = 53, 43%) or POEM (n = 70, 57%) for the management of achalasia (n = 98) or other EDDs (n = 25) had clinical failure at a median time of 10.8 months (interquartile range, .8-17.3) postprocedure. Twenty-nine patients had apposing "abnormal" diagnoses in terms of integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) >15 mm Hg on HRM and distensibility index (DI) <2.8 mm²/mm Hg on FLIP, with ultimate change in management noted in 15 patients (10 directed toward conservative management, 5 directed toward LES-directed retreatment). The impact of FLIP on both diagnosis and management was noted in 15 of 29 patients (52%). In the subgroup analysis of 44 patients who underwent LES-directed retreatment, clinical success was highest among patients with both abnormal IRP and DI (21/25 [84%]) versus patients with only abnormal IRP (8/14 [57%]) or only abnormal DI (3/5 [60%], P = .04), with DI at 40-mL distension volume on FLIP identified as an independent predictor of clinical success (odd ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.1; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of this study further suggests the important role of using FLIP in addition to HRM in evaluating patients with clinical failure postmyotomy.

The Modern Age of POEM: the Past, Present and Future of Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy

BACKGROUND

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has gained widespread enthusiasm amongst foregut specialists since its introduction in the mid 2000s as an effective and less invasive treatment option for achalasia. As more than 6000 POEM procedures have been performed to date throughout the world, we aim to summarize the history and current state of POEM in the treatment of esophageal motility disorders.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive review of the published literature focusing on the history and development of the POEM procedure, and its most current applications and outcomes.

RESULTS

Multiple favorable long-term studies have been published advocating for the use of POEM as a valid and perhaps the most valid treatment option for achalasia. The procedure is also increasingly being applied to a wider spectrum of esophageal motility disorders including type III achalasia, spastic esophageal disease or isolated lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction, as well as new endoluminal procedures such as submucosal tumor endoscopic resection (STER), endoscopic fundoplications (POEM-F) and peroral pyloromyotomy (POP or G-POEM).

CONCLUSIONS

While POEM is a proved and valid procedure, its further adoption is being threatened by external factors: challenges related to teaching, institutional support (politics) and insurance reimbursement. While this technique has come an incredible distance in its relatively short lifespan, the future of POEM in the USA will depend on the support from surgical societies to validate it as a valuable tool in the esophageal specialist's armamentarium, and to encourage a commitment to training in endoluminal surgery.

Discordance between high-resolution manometry, esophagoscopy and contrast esophagogram in determining landmarks for per-oral endoscopic myotomy in spastic esophageal disorders: a word of caution

BACKGROUND

Myotomy length for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is standardized for type I and II achalasia. However, for type III achalasia, jackhammer esophagus, diffuse esophageal spasms and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, there is no standard. Determining myotomy length based on the high-pressure zone found during high-resolution manometry (HRM) and spastic length found during esophagography may be used to determine adequate myotomy length without excess muscle destruction.

METHODS

The records of patients who have undergone POEM procedures at our institution had the following data gleaned: age, sex, esophageal spastic diagnosis, length of high-pressure zone and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) position by HRM, length of spastic esophagus by esophagography, position of the z-line by esophagoscopy and length of myotomy performed. Outcomes were assessed based on patient symptomatic improvement and need for re-intervention.

RESULTS

71 patients were evaluated for POEM, with 67 completing POEM. There was an average difference in LES position by HRM and z-line position by esophagoscopy of 3.9 ± 3.0 cm. There was an average difference in high-pressure zone by HRM and spastic length by esophagography of 4.9 ± 3.2 cm. Overall, with a median of 20 months follow-up, 74% achieved long-term symptomatic improvement, with 17 patients requiring re-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Discordance among HRM, esophagography and esophagoscopy can be significant. Caution should be employed with using these methods to determine myotomy length in POEM.

Laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus: a case report

Background

An esophageal diverticulum is rare and is frequently associated with esophageal motility disorders. Jackhammer esophagus is also rare, is characterized by esophageal hypercontraction, and comprises 4.1% of esophageal motility disorders. Here, we report a case of a patient successfully treated by laparoscopic transhiatal surgery for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus diagnosed with high-resolution manometry (HRM).

Case presentation

The patient was a 78-year-old man who presented to the hospital with dysphagia. A diverticulum was detected in the lower part of his esophagus by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. HRM was performed to investigate esophageal motility disorders. His integrated relaxation pressure was normal at 25.9 (< 26) mmHg, but his distal contractile integral (DCI) was very high at 21,464 (1500–13,000) mmHg s cm. Esophageal peristalsis was preserved. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus for which laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and Heller-Dor procedure were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. His symptoms improved, and the level of DCI also returned to a normal level of 3867 mmHg s cm at 2 months after the operation.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic transhiatal diverticulectomy and esophagomyotomy can be useful procedures for an epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum derived from a jackhammer esophagus due to their lower invasiveness.

Quality of Life Following Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel minimally invasive intervention for treating esophageal achalasia. Previous publications have proved its excellent efficacy and safety, and even shown it could improve patients’ quality of life (QoL). So, we conducted this study to explore the changes of QoL following POEM.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library covering the period from January 2009 to April 2019. The statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.3.

Results: A total of 12 studies including 549 patients were identified, which assessed the QoL using validated questionnaires administered. After POEM, the SF-36 questionnaire score of each domain (physical function, role physical function, body pain, general health (GH), social function, vitality, emotional role function, mental health) was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, mental component scale (MCS) and physical component scale (PCS) scores were all improved in patients after POEM procedure (MCS: 12.11, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.67–19.55, p = 0.001, I² = 88%, PCS: 17.01, 95% CI, 2.91–31.11, p = 0.02, I² = 97%). The gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life questionnaires (GERD-HRQL) also decreased significantly after POEM (13.01, 95% CI, 9.98–16.03, p < 0.00001, I² = 30%).

Conclusions: Our current evidence suggests there is significant improvement in QoL after POEM procedure.

Long-term outcomes following POEM for non-achalasia motility disorders of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Optimal treatment for symptomatic patients with non-achalasia motility disorders (NAD) such as diffuse esophageal spasm, esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction, and hypercontractile disorder is not well established. POEM has been offered to these patients since it is a less invasive and less morbid procedure but long-term outcomes remain undetermined. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of POEM for patients with NAD.

METHODS

Records of 40 consecutive patients undergoing POEM for NAD from May 2011 to January 2016 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative symptom scores, high-resolution manometry, pH testing, and timed barium swallow (TBS) data were collected. Patients were contacted by phone to obtain long-term symptom assessment. Symptoms were assessed using a standardized symptom questionnaire with scores for symptoms graded according to frequency and the Eckardt score.

RESULTS

Ten percent had minor complications with no postoperative sequelae. 90% of patients had significant improvement in their mean Eckardt scores (5.02 vs. 1.12, p < 0.001) at early follow-up. Improvements in chest pain (1.02-0.36, p = 0.001) and dysphagia (2.20 vs. 0.40, p = 0.001) were seen. Significant improvements in manometric pressures and esophageal emptying on TBS were observed across groups. 38% (10/26) of patients had a postoperative pH score > 14.72. Long-term (median 48 months) symptom scores were obtained from 29 (72.5%) patients. 82% of patients (24/29) had sustained symptom improvement. A small increase in the dysphagia scores was reported in the long-term follow-up compared to the immediate postoperative period (0.36-0.89, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Chest pain and dysphagia are effectively palliated with POEM in patients with non-achalasia disorders of the esophagus. Significant improvements are durable in long-term follow-up. Despite earlier reports by our group suggesting possible inferior outcomes from POEM for this difficult group of patients, this study is far more encouraging. POEM should be considered in the treatment of patients with non-achalasia disorders of the esophagus.

Endoscopic Myotomy for Foregut Motility Disorders

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an advanced endoscopic procedure classically performed for the treatment of achalasia. The procedure is based on principles of submucosal endoscopy and is composed of a mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and mucosal closure. Multiple published studies that collectively include more than 6000 patients reported clinical success in more than 80% to 90% of patients. Recent literature also suggested durability of response over a medium-term follow-up. POEM is associated with a low rate of adverse events when performed by experienced operators. Gastroesophageal reflux is not infrequent after POEM but does not seem significantly different from reflux that occurs after Heller myotomy. POEM also seems to be effective in the treatment of spastic esophageal disorders (eg, jackhammer and diffuse esophageal spasm). Last, the role of gastric POEM (G-POEM) in the treatment of gastroparesis has been investigated in recent studies with promising results.

Factors Determining the Inter-observer Variability and Diagnostic Accuracy of High-resolution Manometry for Esophageal Motility Disorders

Background/Aims

Although high-resolution manometry (HRM) has the advantage of visual intuitiveness, its diagnostic validity remains under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of HRM for esophageal motility disorders.

Methods

Six staff members and 8 trainees were recruited for the study. In total, 40 patients enrolled in manometry studies at 3 institutes were selected. Captured images of 10 representative swallows and a single swallow in analyzing mode in both high-resolution pressure topography (HRPT) and conventional line tracing formats were provided with calculated metrics.

Results

Assessments of esophageal motility disorders showed fair agreement for HRPT and moderate agreement for conventional line tracing (κ = 0.40 and 0.58, respectively). With the HRPT format, the κ value was higher in category A (esophagogastric junction [EGJ] relaxation abnormality) than in categories B (major body peristalsis abnormalities with intact EGJ relaxation) and C (minor body peristalsis abnormalities or normal body peristalsis with intact EGJ relaxation). The overall exact diagnostic accuracy for the HRPT format was 58.8% and rater’s position was an independent factor for exact diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic accuracy for major disorders was 63.4% with the HRPT format. The frequency of major discrepancies was higher for category B disorders than for category A disorders (38.4% vs 15.4%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The interpreter’s experience significantly affected the exact diagnostic accuracy of HRM for esophageal motility disorders. The diagnostic accuracy for major disorders was higher for achalasia than distal esophageal spasm and jackhammer esophagus.

Outcome of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia cardia: Experience with a new triangular knife

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a technically demanding procedure. Recently, a new triangular knife with integrated water jet function (TTJ) has been introduced. The present study was aimed to analyze and compare the operating time, efficacy, and adverse events (AEs) between the conventional (TT knife) and new knife (TTJ).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with achalasia cardia (AC) who underwent POEM between August 2015 and November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Operating time (OT), technical success, and AEs were assessed and compared between TT and TTJ knife.

RESULTS

A total of 193 patients with AC underwent POEM during the specified period. Both groups had equivalent number of different subtypes of AC (I, II, and III). There was no difference in technical success between the two groups (TT, 99% vs TT, 98.9%). OT was significantly less in the TTJ group as compared to TT group (53.8 ± 15.2 vs 66.26 ± 19.2; P = 0.0001). On subanalysis, OT taken for submucosal tunneling was significantly less with TTJ knife (34.6 ± 10.1 vs 45.83 ± 14.80), whereas OT was similar for myotomy and clipping in both the groups. Significantly fewer use of coagulation forceps and exchanges of accessories were required in TTJ knife group (2.92 ± 1.77 vs 10.5 ± 3.58; P = 0.0001). There were no major AEs. Minor AEs were noted in 21.5% and 31% of patients in TTJ and TT knife groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

New triangular knife reduces procedure time and technical difficulty with POEM. POEM is an efficacious treatment for achalasia and can be safely executed in an endoscopy unit.

Distal esophageal spasm with multiple esophageal diverticula successfully treated by peroral endoscopic myotomy

Distal esophageal spasm (DES) is a primary esophageal motility disorder. We encountered a rare case of DES accompanied by multiple esophageal diverticula. A 72-year-old woman complained of prolonged dysphagia and chest pain. A barium esophagogram showed multiple esophageal diverticula and significant contraction of the lower esophagus just above the cardia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a corkscrew-like appearance, with spiral contractions and diverticula. High-resolution manometry revealed that the integrated relaxation pressure was normal; premature contractions were observed in ≥20% of the swallowing wave; the distal contractile integral was normal. She was diagnosed with DES according to the Chicago classification v 3.0. As smooth muscle relaxants were not effective, we decided to perform peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) to eliminate persistent esophageal contraction. After POEM treatment, her symptoms were markedly improved, and the Eckardt score significantly decreased from 11 points to 1. An esophagogram after POEM showed that barium flowed promptly into the stomach. The multiple esophageal diverticula were considered to be the result of false pulsion diverticulosis caused by excessive internal esophageal pressure, and this represented the most severe form of DES. POEM could be a new curative strategy for the most severe DES cases with multiple diverticula.

Anesthesia in per-oral endoscopic myotomy: A large tertiary care centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is safe and efficacious for the management of achalasia cardia (AC). POEM is usually performed under general anesthesia in an endoscopy suite or operating theatre. The current study was conducted with the aim to analyse anesthetic management of patients with AC who underwent POEM at our institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the data of patients with AC who underwent POEM at our institution from January 2013 to September 2016. All cases were performed in an endoscopy suite under supervision of an anesthesia management team. Pre-procedure endoscopic evacuation of esophagogastric contents was done in all cases. Management strategies used for gas-related adverse events and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighty patients (median age 40 years, range 4-77 years) underwent POEM during the study period. The sub-types of AC were type I (163), type II (297), and type III (20). POEM was successfully completed in 97.5% patients. Gas-related events were noted in 30.6% cases including-capno-thorax in 1%, capno-peritoneum in 12.3%, retroperitoneal air in 16.5%, capno-mediastinum in 0.2%, and capno-pericardium in 0.4% patients. Significant rise in end tidal CO2 (> 45) and peak airway pressure were observed in 8.1% and 5.4% cases, respectively. Drainage was required in 12.3% patients. There was no occurrence of aspiration during or after POEM.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM could be safely performed in an endoscopy suite under supervision of an expert anesthesia management team. Gas-related adverse events were common during POEM and could be managed with a standardized approach.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treating esophageal motility disorders

Pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy have been thoroughly studied as the most viable treatment options for achalasia. The pendulum, however, is shifting to the minimally invasive approach. Since Inoue et al. published the experience of the first 17 cases of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in 2010, there have been at least 5,000 cases performed worldwide and the number is increasing exponentially. Experts across the globe have been extending the indications to various esophageal motility disorders, to patients of extremes of age, sigmoidal esophagus and re-operated patients. There are a few variations in technique across different centers in defining the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and adequacy of myotomy, the optimal length, site of myotomy and whether the full thickness of the muscle wall should be cut. Large case series demonstrated its promising efficacy & reasonable complication profile. Randomized controlled trial in comparison with the gold standard, Heller myotomy, is ongoing. The future application of submucosal tunnelling technique is thrilling with its extension in tumour resection, antropyloromyotomy and other natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).

Early adverse events of per-oral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The recently developed technique of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been shown to be effective for the therapy of esophageal motility disorders. Limited information is available about POEM adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

POEM was performed on 241 patients (58% male; mean age, 47.4 ± 16.4 years) under general anesthesia over 61 months. The main outcome was the rate of intra- and post-procedural AEs. Post-procedural checks comprised clinical and laboratory examinations and endoscopy, with further follow-ups performed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of the 241 procedures, 238 were successfully completed (mean procedure time, 100.2 ± 39.5 min). Reasons for abortion were excessive submucosal fibrosis preventing submucosal tunneling. Three patients had severe procedural-related AEs (SAE rate, 1.2%); 1 case of pneumothorax required intra-procedural drainage, and 2 patients had delayed SAEs (1 ischemic gastric cardia perforation and 1 hemothorax, both leading to surgery). The overall rate of minor AEs was 31.1%, mainly prolonged intra-procedural bleeding (>15 min hemostasis) and defects of the mucosa overlying the tunnel; none led to clinically relevant signs or symptoms. Patients experiencing any AE had a significantly prolonged hospital stay (P = .037) and a trend toward prolonged procedure time (P = .094). Neck/upper thoracic emphysema and free abdominal air were noted in 31.5% and 35.7%, respectively (95.3% drained), but without relevant sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM has a low rate of SAEs; minor AEs are more frequent but lack a consistent definition. Therefore, based on our experience and literature analysis, we suggest a classification of AEs for POEM. (Clinical trials registration number: NCT01405417.).

The role of Heller myotomy and POEM for nonachalasia motility disorders

The best-defined primary esophageal motor disorder is achalasia. However, symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation and chest pain can be caused by other esophageal motility disorders such as Diffuse Esophageal Spasm (DES), Nutcracker Esophagus (NE) and the Hypertensive Lower Esophageal Sphincter (HTN-LES). Most patients with DES and HTN-LES who complain of dysphagia improve after a myotomy. Patients with NE whose main complaint is chest pain, often do not have relief of the pain and can even develop dysphagia as a consequence of the myotomy. POEM is a relatively new procedure, and there are no studies with long-term follow-up and no prospective and randomized trials comparing it to surgical myotomy. Overall, the key to success is based on a complete evaluation and a careful patient selection. The best results, regardless of the technique, are in fact obtained in patients with outflow obstruction and impaired esophageal emptying, a picture similar to achalasia.

Is POEM the Answer for Management of Spastic Esophageal Disorders? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Spastic esophageal disorders (SEDs) include spastic achalasia (type III), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and nutcracker/jackhammer esophagus (JH). Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of achalasia. Recently, POEM has been indicated for the treatment of SEDs. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the clinical success and safety of POEM in SEDs.

METHODS

We searched several databases from 01/01/2007 to 01/10/2016 to identify studies (with five or more patients) on POEM for the treatment of SEDs. Weighted pooled rates (WPRs) for clinical success and adverse events (AEs) were calculated for all SEDs. Clinical success was defined as Eckardt scores of ≤3 and/or improvement in severity of dysphagia based on achalasia disease-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire. The WPRs for clinical success and AEs were analyzed using fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity. The proportionate difference in clinical success and post-procedure adverse event rates among individual types of SEDs was also calculated.

RESULTS

A total of eight observational studies with 179 patients were included in the final analysis. Two studies were of good quality and six were of fair quality based on the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool. The WPR with 95% confidence interval (CI) for cumulative clinical success of POEM in all SEDs was 87% (78, 93%), I ² = 37%. The total number of patients for individual disorders, i.e., type III achalasia, JH, and DES, was 116, 37, and 18, respectively. The WPRs for clinical success of POEM for type III achalasia, DES, and JH were 92, 88, and 72%, respectively. Proportion difference of WPR for clinical success was significantly higher for type III achalasia in comparison with JH (20%, P = 0.01). The WPR with 95% CI for AEs of POEM in all SEDs was 14% (9, 20%), I ² = 0%. The WPRs for post-procedure adverse events for type III achalasia, DES, and JH were 11, 14, and 16%, respectively. There was no difference in safety of POEM among individual SEDs.

CONCLUSION

POEM is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for the treatment of spastic esophageal disorders.

POEM, the Prototypical "New NOTES" Procedure and First Successful NOTES Procedure

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was first performed in 2008 as a novel treatment of achalasia. It is now performed globally, demonstrating the evolution of the first successful natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedure. There is extensive data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of POEM, and now long-term data has emerged demonstrating that the efficacy is durable. POEM is also being used to successfully treat diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) and jackhammer esophagus. With jackhammer esophagus and DES, inclusion of the lower esophageal sphincter in the myotomy minimizes the risk of symptom development from iatrogenic ineffective esophageal motility.