Peroral endoscopic shorter versus longer myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: a comparative retrospective study

Reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy: The dilemma and the options

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is rapidly emerging as the treatment of choice for achalasia cardia, but its success is marred by problematic reflux. Although symptomatic reflux rates are low and often comparable to that after laparoscopic Hellers myotomy (LHM), a high incidence of pathologic reflux has been noted after POEM. This poses a dilemma as to what is true reflux, and in determining the indications and optimal endpoints for managing post-POEM reflux. The two pertinent reasons for the difference in reflux rates between LHM and POEM are the variation in length and location of myotomy and the absence of an anti-reflux procedure in POEM. Proton pump inhibitor remains the most sought-after treatment of POEM derived reflux. Nevertheless, modifications in the procedural technique of POEM and the addition of endoscopic fundoplication can probably emerge as a game changer. This article briefly reviews the incidence, causes, controversies, predictive factors, and management strategies related to post-POEM reflux.

Short Versus Standard Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become the treatment of choice for achalasia. However, the impact of myotomy length on POEM outcomes remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of short versus standard-length myotomy in achalasia patients.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify all RCTs that compared POEM using short myotomy with standard myotomy. The primary outcomes were clinical success and post-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The secondary outcomes were procedural time, length of hospital stay, and intraprocedural complications. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Three RCTs with 365 achalasia patients treated with short (n = 179) or standard (n = 186) myotomy were included. Short and standard myotomies showed similar clinical success (OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.61-6.23, p = 0.26; I2 = 41%), reflux symptoms (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.49-1.89, p = 0.92; I2 = 20%), pathologic acid exposure on pH monitoring (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.33-1.50, p = 0.36; I2 = 58%), reflux esophagitis on upper endoscopy (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.40-1.70, p = 0.59; I2 = 42%), intraprocedural complications (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.53-2.79, p = 0.65; I2 = 0%), and length of hospital stay (MD - 0.01, 95% CI - 0.72 to 0.69, p = 0.97, I2 = 73%). Procedural time was shorter in short myotomy (MD - 16.11 min, 95% CI - 26.04 to - 6.19, p = 0.001; I2 = 84%).

CONCLUSIONS

POEM using short myotomy for achalasia is non-inferior to standard myotomy for efficacy, safety, and post-operative GERD but is associated with a shorter procedural time.

Short esophageal myotomy versus standard myotomy for treatment of sigmoid-type achalasia: results of an international multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with sigmoid-type achalasia can be challenging to treat with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). A short myotomy improves technical success; however, outcomes have not previously been evaluated.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, international, retrospective study of patients who underwent POEM with short (≤4 cm) or standard esophageal myotomy. Outcomes included clinical and technical success, procedural adverse events, and reflux rates.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients with sigmoid achalasia (sigmoid, n = 74; advanced sigmoid, n = 35) underwent POEM across 13 centers (short myotomy, n = 59; standard, n = 50). Technical success was 100% across both groups. Patients who underwent short myotomy had a significantly shorter mean procedure time (57.7 ± 27.8 vs 83.1 ± 44.7 minutes, P = .0005). A total of 6 adverse events were recorded in 6 patients (5.5%; 4 mild, 2 moderate); the adverse event rate was not significantly different between short and standard groups. Ninety-eight patients had follow-up data (median, 3.6 months; interquartile range, 1-14 months). Clinical success was 94% (short, 93%; standard, 95%; P = .70) and did not differ based on achalasia subtype or sigmoid achalasia severity. Twenty-one (22%) patients reported post-POEM reflux and 44% (16 of 36) had objective evidence of pathologic reflux. Rates of pathologic reflux were significantly increased in the standard versus short group (odds ratio, 18.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-159.0; P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

POEM with short myotomy is effective and safe for the short-term treatment of sigmoid and advanced sigmoid achalasia. Short myotomy may lead to less reflux than standard myotomy.

Advances in Third Space Endoscopy

This article offers a detailed overview of recent advancements in third space endoscopy (TSE), highlighting key procedures and their clinical applications and outcomes. Clinical TSE started as a treatment for achalasia and was named peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Outcome data and comparative data of POEM with other treatments were detailed and discussed. This article also explores the indications and outcomes of other TSE procedures, such as G-POEM, Z-POEM, D-POEM, per-rectal endoscopic myotomy, and STER/POET. This article serves as a valuable resource for endoscopists looking to enhance their understanding and stay updated on these advanced TSE procedures.

Per oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia

Achalasia, characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and failed peristalsis, stands out as the most widely recognized primary esophageal motility disorder. It manifests with dysphagia to solid and liquid foods, chest pain, regurgitation, and weight loss, leading to significant morbidity and healthcare burden. Traditionally, surgical Heller myotomy and pneumatic dilation were the primary therapeutic approaches for achalasia. However, in 2009, Inoue and colleagues introduced a groundbreaking endoscopic technique called peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), revolutionizing the management of this condition. This review aims to comprehensively examine the recent advancements in the POEM technique for patients diagnosed with achalasia, delving into critical aspects, such as the tailoring of the myotomy, the prevention of intraprocedural adverse events (AEs), the evaluation of long-term outcomes, and the feasibility of retreatment in cases of therapeutic failure.

Modified peroral endoscopic myotomy technique with retrograde on-demand myotomy for achalasia: a retrospective cohort study (with video)

BACKGROUND

Although myotomy is crucial in peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) surgeries, its optimum length remains controversial. Herein, we propose a modified POEM with new method of tailoring myotomy length aim to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of this modified POEM compared with standard POEM in type I or II achalasia.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients with type I or II achalasia who underwent POEM at the First Hospital of Jilin University between January 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the myotomy approach, these patients were divided into the retrograde on-demand myotomy (RDM, n = 34), with myotomy beginning on gastric side and length tailored by determining the degree of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) distention, and standard myotomy (SM, n = 41) groups. The baseline data, myotomy length, operation time, clinical success rate, adverse event rate, and reflux-related adverse events were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The median myotomy length in the RDM group was significantly shorter than that in the SM group (6 vs. 8 cm, respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, the median myotomy time in the RDM group was significantly shorter than that in the SM group (10 vs. 16 min, respectively; p < 0.001). POEM was successfully performed in all the patients. At the 2-year follow-up, high clinical success rates were observed in both the RDM and SM groups (92.0% vs. 93.3%, respectively; p = 1.000). The incidence of intraoperative adverse events and postoperative reflux-related adverse events was low and comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RDM POEM is a safe and effective method for patients with type I or II achalasia. Furthermore, it has a shorter myotomy length and operation time than standard POEM technique.

Long-term efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia under different criteria

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a widely accepted treatment for achalasia, with limited studies for over 2 years. Additionally, traditional measurements of achalasia after POEM have deficiencies. The study aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of POEM under different criteria.

METHODS

Patients with achalasia who received POEM between November 2012 and March 2021 were recruited. Patients and characteristics were shown, and risk factors related to two novel definitions of recurrence, symptomatic reflux, and reflux esophagitis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three hundred and twenty-one patients were included. At a median follow-up of 52 months, twenty-three failures happened (7.17%) under the modified criterion, and forty-seven failures occurred (14.64%) under the normal standard. Hospitalization (P = 0.027) and esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with long-term efficacy under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Fifty-two patients (16.20%) reported reflux symptoms and endoscopy performed in 88 patients revealed reflux esophagitis in 22 cases (25.00%). There were no predictors in the analysis of symptomatic reflux and gender (P = 0.010), LESP (P = 0.013), IRP (P = 0.015), and the esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.032) were statistically related to reflux esophagitis.

CONCLUSION

POEM is an extremely safe and effective treatment for achalasia with long-term follow-up. Shorter hospitalization and shorter esophageal myotomy length may decrease the incidence of recurrence under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Long-term outcomes of POEM are unpredictable. No risk factors were related to symptomatic reflux, and male patients with low preoperative LESP and IRP needed relatively shorter esophageal myotomy to prevent reflux esophagitis.

Comparing clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia between Eastern and Western countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has revolutionized the therapeutic strategy for achalasia with promising results. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes between Eastern and Western countries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to query for studies that assessed the efficacy of POEM for achalasia. All articles published from inception to December 31, 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the pooled clinical success rate. The secondary outcomes included the pooled technical success rate, incidence of adverse events, procedure time and hospital stay. Eighteen Eastern studies involving 5962 patients and 11 Western studies involving 1651 patients were included. The pooled clinical success rate and technical success rate for POEM was equal in the Eastern studies compared to Western studies. The pooled incidence of procedure adverse events for POEM was a little lower in the Eastern studies compared to Western studies (6.6% vs. 8.7%). Similarly, the incidence of reflux-related adverse events was lower in Eastern studies than that in Western studies. The pooled procedure time of POEM was shorter in Eastern studies compared to Western studies (61 minutes vs. 80 minutes), while the length of hospital stay was longer in Eastern studies compared to Western studies (5.8 days vs. 2.4 days). Overall, Eastern countries have the similar POEM outcomes compared to Western countries. However, Eastern countries still need to do more to reduce the length of hospital stay.

Third-space endoscopy: the final frontier

Over the years, our growing experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection along with technological advances has solidified our comfort and knowledge on working in the submucosa, also referred to as the "third space." Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was the first prototype third-space endoscopy (TSE) procedure, demonstrating the feasibility and clinical utility of endoscopic esophagogastric myotomy via submucosal tunneling. The launch of POEM accelerated the evolution of TSE from a vanguard concept to an expanding field with a wide range of clinical applications. In this review, we discuss the status and future directions of multiple TSE interventions.

Submucosal endoscopy: the present and future

Submucosal endoscopy or third-space endoscopy utilizes the potential space between the mucosal and muscularis layers of the gastrointestinal tract to execute therapeutic interventions for various diseases. Over the last decade, endoscopic access to the submucosal space has revolutionized the field of therapeutic endoscopy. Submucosal endoscopy was originally used to perform endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia cardia, and its use has grown exponentially since. Currently, submucosal endoscopy is widely used to resect subepithelial tumors and to manage refractory gastroparesis and Zenker's diverticulum. While the utility of submucosal endoscopy has stood the test of time in esophageal motility disorders and subepithelial tumors, its durability remains to be established in conditions such as Zenker's diverticulum and refractory gastroparesis. Other emerging indications for submucosal endoscopy include esophageal epiphrenic diverticulum, Hirschsprung's disease, and esophageal strictures not amenable to conventional endoscopic treatment. The potential of submucosal endoscopy to provide easy and safe access to the mediastinum and peritoneal spaces may open doors to novel indications and rejuvenate the interest of endoscopists in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the future. This review focuses on the current spectrum, recent updates, and future direction of submucosal endoscopy in the gastrointestinal tract.

Impact of modified techniques on outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy: A narrative review

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established frontline treatment modality for achalasia cardia. Since its initial description, several modifications have been proposed to the technique of POEM. Broadly speaking, these modifications follow the basic principles of submucosal endoscopy, but incorporate variations in the POEM technique, including the difference in the orientation of myotomy (anterior or posterior), length of myotomy (short or long), and thickness of myotomy (selective circular or full thickness). Some of these modifications have been shown to reduce procedural duration without compromising the efficacy of the POEM procedure. More recently, several alterations have been reported that intend to reduce gastroesophageal reflux after POEM. These include preservation of sling fibers during posterior POEM and addition of NOTES fundoplication to the POEM procedure. Although some of the modified techniques have been compared with the conventional techniques in quality trials, randomized studies are awaited for others. The incorporation of some of these modifications will likely make POEM a technically easy and safer modality in near future. This review aims to discuss the current evidence with regard to the impact of modified techniques on the outcome of POEM.

Evolution and evidence-based adaptations in techniques for peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and failed peristalsis. Common clinical manifestations include dysphagia to solid and liquid foods, chest pain, regurgitation, and weight loss, resulting in significant morbidity and healthcare burden. Historically, surgical Heller myotomy and pneumatic dilation were the first-line therapeutic options for achalasia. This convention was shaken in 2009 when Inoue and colleagues introduced an endoscopic approach to dissect the muscle fibers of the LES, known as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Since incorporation of POEM into standard practice, the overall myotomy technique has remained unchanged; however, adaptations in the thickness and length of myotomy have evolved. Full-thickness myotomy is recognized to have similar clinical success and faster procedure times compared with selective circular muscle myotomy. Although myotomy length for type 1 and type 2 achalasia has classically been >6 cm, recent studies demonstrated similar outcomes with reduction of myotomy length to <3 cm. Length of myotomy for type 3 achalasia has been tailored to treat the entire length of spastic muscle segment, and the modality to gauge the optimal thickness and length of myotomy in this group has yet to be established. In addition to changes in POEM technique, the postoperative management of POEM has also changed, favoring reduced postprocedure imaging, antibiotic use, and hospitalizations.

Peroral endoscopic longer vs shorter esophageal myotomy for achalasia treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the treatment of achalasia. Longer myotomy is the standard POEM procedure for achalasia but when compared with shorter myotomy, its effectiveness is not as well known.

AIM

To compare the clinical effectiveness of longer and shorter myotomy.

METHODS

PubMed, EmBase, Cochrane Library, web of science and clinicaltrials.gov were queried for studies comparing shorter and longer POEM for achalasia treatment. The primary outcome was clinical success rate. Secondary outcomes comprised of operative time, adverse events (AEs) rate, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and procedure-related parameters. The Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model was primarily used for the analysis. Publication bias was assessed.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in this analysis with a total of 514 participants. During the follow-up period of 1-28.7 mo, longer and shorter myotomy in treating achalasia showed similar excellent effectiveness [overall clinical success (OR = 1, 95%CI: 0.46-2.17, P = 1, I²: 0%; subgroup of abstract (OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.38 to 3.73; P = 0.76; I²: 0%); subgroup of full text (OR = 0.86 95%CI: 0.30 to 2.49; P = 0.78; I²: 0%)]. Shorter myotomy had significantly reduced mean operative time compared with the longer procedure. There were no statistically significant differences in AEs rates, including GERD (overall OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.76-1.91; P = 0.42; I²: 9%; subgroup of abstract OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.40-1.47; P = 0.43; I²: 0%; subgroup of full text OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 0.98-3.75; P = 0.06; I²: 0%), hospital stay (overall MD = -0.07, 95%CI: -0.30 to 0.16; P = 0.55; I²: 24%; subgroup of abstract MD = 0.20, 95%CI: -0.25 to 0.65; P = 0.39; I²: 0; subgroup of full text MD = -0.16, 95%CI: -0.42 to 0.10; P = 0.23; I²: 42%), and major bleeding (overall OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 0.58-2.71; P = 0.56; I²: 0%) between the two procedures. These differences remained statistically non-significant in all sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

POEM was effective in treating achalasia. Shorter and longer myotomy procedures provided similar therapeutic effects in terms of long-term effectiveness. In addition, shorter myotomy reduced the operative time.

Modified Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Technique for Type II Achalasia: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Aim

This retrospective study is aimed at evaluating the outcomes of a modified peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) technique in patients with type II achalasia.

Methods

We performed a modified POEM procedure, which involved a shorter (total myotomy length = 4 cm), full-thickness myotomy, on 31 patients with type II achalasia. Clinical success rates, technical success rates, pre- and postoperative esophageal manometry results, complications, and reflux-related adverse events were evaluated.

Results

The clinical success (Eckardt score ≤ 3) rates were 100% and 88.9% within 2 years and beyond 2 years postoperatively, respectively. The median lower esophageal sphincter pressures (LESP) decreased from 31.6 (26.7-49.7) mmHg preoperatively to 13.4 (10.5-21.6) and 11.8 (7.4-16.7) mmHg (P < 0.001) at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. The median integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) decreased from 27.8 (20.6-37.5) mmHg preoperatively to 12.9 (11.3-23.4) and 11.6 (9.6-16.8) mmHg (P < 0.001) at 6 and 12 months after POEM, respectively. Only one case (3.2%) of mucosal injury, four (12.9%) cases of reflux esophagitis, and two (6.5%) cases of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms were reported.

Conclusions

The modified POEM technique showed excellent outcomes in patients with type II achalasia.

Safety and Efficacy of Peroral Endoscopic Shorter Myotomy versus Longer Myotomy for Patients with Achalasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The adequate myotomy length during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is still controversial. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of the modified POEM with shorter myotomy (SM) and compare the outcomes between SM and longer myotomy (LM) in achalasia patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 28, 2021. The primary outcome was clinical success rate and incidence of reflux-relative adverse events (AEs). Fixed- or random-effect models were adopted for the analysis according to the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Five studies involving 225 patients in SM group and 222 patients in LM group were included. The overall clinical success of SM was 96.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 92.7 to 98.4%). SM showed noninferior response as compared to LM (risk ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.06, P = 0.41, I ² = 0%). Based on the abnormal acid reflux by pH monitoring, its incidence was significantly lower in the SM group than that in the LM group (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.94, P = 0.03, I ² = 0%). With respect to procedure-related parameters, the total procedure time of SM was significantly shorter than that of LM (mean difference (MD) -16.30, 95% CI -23.10 to -9.49, P < 0.001, I ² = 68%).

CONCLUSIONS

SM and LM are comparable in providing treatment efficacy for achalasia patients, whereas less operation time and lower incidence of post-POEM abnormal esophageal acid exposure are observed in SM.

Third-Space Endoscopy: Recent Updates

Third space or submucosal space is a potential space which on expansion allows the endoscopist to execute a multitude of therapeutic procedures for various gastrointestinal diseases like achalasia, subepithelial tumors, Zenker’s diverticulum, and refractory gastroparesis. Third space was first utilized for performing endoscopic myotomy in cases with achalasia cardia about a decade ago. Since then, the field of submucosal endoscopy has witnessed an exponential growth. The present review focuses on recent advances in the field of third-space endoscopy. With regard to per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in achalasia cardia, several recent studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of POEM, compared endoscopic myotomy with pneumatic dilatation (PD) and surgical myotomy, and evaluated the outcomes of short- versus long-esophageal myotomy. In addition, the utility of multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infections after POEM has been questioned. Overall, the results from these studies indicate that POEM is a durable treatment modality, equally effective to Heller’s myotomy and superior to PD. With regard to gastric-POEM (G-POEM), recent studies suggest only modest efficacy in cases with refractory gastroparesis. Therefore, quality studies are required to identify predictors of response to optimize the outcomes of G-POEM in these cases. Another third-space endoscopy procedure that has gained popularity is endoscopic division of septum in cases with esophageal diverticula including Zenker’s POEM and epiphrenic diverticula POEM (Z-POEM and D-POEM, respectively). The technique of diverticulotomy using the principles of submucosal endoscopy appears safe and effective in short term. Data on term outcomes are awaited and comparative trials with flexible endoscopic myotomy required. Per-rectal endoscopic myotomy (PREM) is the most recent addition to third space endoscopy procedures for the management of short-segment Hirschsprung’s disease. Limited data suggest that PREM may be a promising alternative surgery in these cases. However, quality studies with long-term follow-up are required to validate the outcomes of PREM.

Short versus long esophageal myotomy during peroral endoscopic myotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials

BACKGROUND

: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established modality of treatment for achalasia cardia. Considerable variations exist in the technique of POEM with respect to the length and orientation of the myotomy. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared the outcomes of short versus long myotomy during POEM.

METHODS

: We searched multiple databases from January 2010 to March 2021 to identify studies reporting on POEM. We selected studies that reported on comparative outcomes of POEM using short versus long myotomy. We performed a comparative analysis of clinical success, procedural duration, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and adverse events with short and long myotomy in POEM by meta-analysis.

RESULTS

: A total of 521 patients from five studies in which 241 patients were treated with short and 280 patients with long myotomy approaches were analyzed. The pooled rate for clinical success gave an odds ratio (OR) of 1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-3.26; I² = 0; P = 0.62); for hospital stay OR 0.22 (95% CI - 0.03 to 0.46; I² = 0; P = 0.08); for GERD by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.31-1.07; I² = 0; P = 0.08), and for adverse events OR 0.67 (95% CI 0.29-1.53; I² = 51; P = 0.34). Abnormal esophageal acid exposure was less frequent with OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.22-0.90; P = 0.02; I² = 0) and the procedure duration was significantly shorter in the short myotomy group with OR - 0.76 (95% CI - 1.00 to - 0.52; I² = 43; P =0.001).

CONCLUSION

: Short myotomy and long myotomy in POEM seem comparable with each other in terms of clinical success and adverse events. Short myotomy is associated with significantly shorter procedural duration and possibly reduced esophageal acid exposure compared with long myotomy.

Short versus standard peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly used to treat esophageal achalasia, but is associated with a high rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of our meta-analysis was to compare short and standard POEM in terms of clinical success and postoperative GERD.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared POEM using short myotomy with standard myotomy. The primary outcome was clinical success. Secondary outcomes were postoperative GERD, perioperative complications, operation time, and length of hospital stay. A random-effects model was used to calculate the risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and confidence intervals (CI). A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We included 5 studies involving 474 esophageal achalasia patients. Short and standard myotomies were similar in terms of clinical success (RR 1.02, 95%CI 0.97-1.09), perioperative complications (RR 0.68, 95%CI 0.26-1.75), and length of hospital stay (MD 0.25 days, 95%CI -0.14-0.63). Operation time was shorter for short myotomy (MD -15.01 mins, 95%CI -20.34 - -9.67). Although reflux symptoms were similar (RR 0.94, 95%CI 0.51-1.74), short myotomy had a lower risk of reflux esophagitis on endoscopy (RR 0.61, 95%CI 0.39-0.98), and pathologic acid exposure on pH monitoring (RR 0.58, 95%CI 0.36-0.94).

Conclusions

POEM using a shorter myotomy is comparable with standard myotomy in terms of efficacy and safety in the short-term setting. A short myotomy requires a shorter operation time and might reduce the occurrence of postoperative GERD.

Third space endoscopy: the future of treating gastrointestinal dysmotility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Third space endoscopy (TSE) or submucosal endoscopy provides with the opportunity for minimally invasive management of various gastrointestinal disorders. TSE is a relatively new field and the knowledge on its utility continues to advance. The purpose of this review is to provide with updated evidence on the efficacy and utility of TSE in gastrointestinal motility disorders including achalasia and refractory gastroparesis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe procedure with emerging evidence on its durability as well. Major technical variations do not appear to impact the outcomes of POEM. Recent randomized trials suggest superiority of POEM over pneumatic dilatation and noninferiority over Heller's myotomy in idiopathic achalasia. With regard to gastric POEM (G-POEM), recent evidence confirms its efficacy in refractory gastroparesis. Although effective, the long-term outcomes of G-POEM are not well known. In addition, the criteria for patient selection remain elusive.

SUMMARY

TSE has emerged as a new frontier in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal motility disorders. While short-term outcomes are encouraging, the durability of TSE remains to be seen in achalasia as well as refractory gastroparesis. Insights regarding patient selection and predictors of outcomes may help optimizing the results of gastric POEM in refractory gastroparesis.

Double tunnel technique reduces technical failure during POEM in cases with severe submucosal fibrosis

Background and study aims  Submucosal fibrosis (SMF) is one of the major reasons for technical failure during per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of double tunnel technique (DT-POEM) on the technical success of POEM in cases with severe SMF. Patients and methods  Data from patients with achalasia in whom SMF was encountered during POEM from Jan 2013 to Jan 2020 at our center were retrospectively evaluated. The technical success and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed and compared between cases with SMF who underwent POEM via single tunnel versus DT-POEM technique. Results  A total of 1,150 patients underwent POEM during the study period. There were 14 technical failures (1.2 %). SMF and severe SMF was found in 104 (9 %) and 21 (1.8 %) patients, respectively. The majority of patients (17, 80.9 %) with severe SMF had type I achalasia. Overall, technical failures occurred in 14 cases (1.2 %) and severe SMF resulted in the majority of the technical failures (10, 71.4 %). DT-POEM was utilized in 11 cases (52.4 %) with severe SMF. The median procedure time with DT-POEM was 150 minutes (85-210). There were no major AEs and DT-POEM was technically successful in all the patients. The technical success of POEM in cases with SMF improved after the adoption of the double tunnel technique (98.4 % vs 68.3 %, P  = 0.0001). Conclusions  Severe SMF is the most common reason for technical failure during POEM. DT-POEM improves the technical success rates of POEM in patients with severe SMF.

Short versus standard esophageal myotomy in achalasia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

Background and study aims  Despite the clinical efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), postoperative symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a major concern. While it is known that length of the gastric myotomy affects postoperative GERD, the clinical relevance of variation in esophageal myotomy length is not well known. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing outcomes of short versus standard myotomy length in patients with achalasia. Patients and methods  We searched multiple databases from inception through November 2020 to identify studies that reported on outcomes of achalasia patients who underwent short compared with standard esophageal myotomy. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled odds ratio (OR) of clinical success, GERD outcomes, and adverse events with the two techniques. Results  5 studies with 474 patients were included in the final analysis (short myotomy group 214, standard myotomy group 260). There was no difference in clinical success (OR 1.17, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.54-2.52; I2 0 %; P  = 0.69), postoperative symptomatic GERD (OR 0.87, 95 %CI 0.44-1.74; I2 29 %; P  = 0.70), and overall adverse events (OR 0.52, 95 %CI 0.19-1.38; I2 40 %; P  = 0.19), between the two groups. Incidence of postoperative erosive esophagitis as determined by endoscopy was lower in the short myotomy group (OR 0.50, 95 %CI 0.24-1.03; I2 0 %; P  = 0.06). Conclusion  Our analysis showed that performing POEM with short esophageal myotomy in achalasia was as safe and effective as standard myotomy, with lower incidence of postoperative erosive esophagitis.

Safety and efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy with standard myotomy versus short myotomy for treatment-naïve patients with type II achalasia: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as an effective endoscopic treatment modality for achalasia. However, there is no consensus regarding the length of muscle bundle dissection during POEM. The most commonly used approach is standard myotomy (about 10 cm). We herein compared the outcomes between standard myotomy versus short myotomy for the management of treatment-naïve patients with type II achalasia.

METHODS

This was a prospective, single-center, randomized trial in China. Previously untreated adults with a clinical diagnosis of type II achalasia, confirmed by manometric testing, were enrolled between February 2018 and February 2019. Patients were randomly assigned to POEM with standard myotomy or short myotomy. Clinical data on demographic characteristics, operative parameters, pre- and postoperative Eckardt scores, esophageal manometry results, 24-hour pH test, and adverse events were recorded and compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Of 100 randomized patients, 94 underwent treatment (48 in the standard myotomy group and 46 in the short myotomy group), and 91 (97%) completed the study. POEM was successfully accomplished in most patients (97.8%). The primary outcome of treatment success occurred in 45 of 48 patients (93.8%) in the standard myotomy group versus 44 of 46 (95.7%) in the short myotomy group, with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .520). There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative esophageal manometry, Eckardt score, diameter of the esophageal lumen, quality of life, procedure-related adverse events, or reflux esophagitis (P > .05). Postoperative abnormal esophageal acid exposure occurred more often in the standard myotomy group than in the short myotomy group (21/48 patients [43.8%] vs 11/46 patients [23.9%], P = .042). Meanwhile, the short myotomy group showed a significant reduction in total procedure time compared with the standard myotomy group (31.2 ± 15.3 minutes vs 45.6 ± 16.2 minutes, respectively, P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among treatment-naïve patients with type II achalasia, standard and short POEM were comparable in terms of providing treatment efficacy and improving quality of life at 1 year, whereas short POEM is technically simpler to perform and requires less procedure time. Moreover, the short POEM approach resulted in fewer cases of postoperative abnormal esophageal acid exposure. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR1800014989.).