Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia: A multicenter Middle Eastern experience

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was proposed in 2010 as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. In this article, we describe the Middle Eastern experience with the procedure in terms of efficacy, length of admission, and short- and long-term complications.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected data on patients who underwent a POEM procedure was conducted between March 2019 and May 2020. The primary outcome was clinical success rate, defined as a postprocedure Eckardt score ≤3 at ≥3 months. Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, presence of reflux symptoms or need for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ≥3 months, and adverse events.

RESULTS

During the study period, 67 patients (35 females) underwent the procedure for achalasia. The participants' ages ranged from 11 to 80 years (mean 41 ± 18 years). Eckardt scores before the treatment ranged between 4 and 12 (mean 8.85 ± 1.75). Sixty-four patients (95.5%) achieved Eckardt scores of ≤3 at ≥3 months after the procedure (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%-100%). The difference between pre- and post-procedural Eckardt scores averaged around -8 points (95% CI: -7.5 to -8.5 P < 0.0001). Adverse events were reported in 24 patients (35.8%) and included pneumoperitoneum (32.8%), reflux symptoms at 3 months (29.9%), and surgical emphysema (3%). Six patients had adverse events that led to prolongation of admission; 3% of whom had aspiration pneumonia, 3% had pneumoperitoneum, 1.5% had both, and 1.5% had an esophageal tear.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is a promising procedure for the treatment of achalasia with a high clinical success rate, short hospital admission, and a reassuring safety profile.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus pneumatic dilation for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Presently, the primary endoscopic options for the treatment of achalasia are peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and pneumatic dilation. But the clinical outcomes of POEM and pneumatic dilation for achalasia have not yet to be fully evaluated. So, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the two treatment modalities. We searched all the relevant studies published up to September 2019 examining the comparative efficacy between POEM and pneumatic dilation. Outcomes included success rate, Eckardt score, lower esophageal sphincter pressure and adverse events. Outcomes were documented by pooled risk ratios and mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) using Review Manager 5.3. Seven studies with a total of 619 patients were identified. There were 298 patients underwent POEM treatment and 321 patients underwent pneumatic dilation treatment. The clinical success rate was higher in the POEM group than that in the pneumatic dilation group at 6, 12 and 24 months' follow-up, with a risk ratio of 1.14 (95% CI, 1.06-1.22, P = 0.0002, I= 0%), 1.34 (95% CI, 1.24-1.45, P < 0.00001, I= 17%) and 1.35 (95% CI, 1.10-1.65, P = 0.004, I= 70%), respectively. The change of Eckardt scores was more obvious in the POEM group than in the pneumatic dilation group, with a mean difference of 1.19 (95% CI, 0.78-1.60, P < 0.00001, I= 70%). The rate of gastroesophageal reflux and other complications for POEM was significantly higher than for pneumatic dilation, with a risk ratio of 4.17 (95% CI, 1.52-11.45, P = 0.006, I= 61%) and 3.78 (95% CI, 1.41-10.16, P = 0.008, I= 0%). Our current evidence suggests that the long-term efficacy of POEM was superior to that of pneumatic dilation, but accompanied by higher complications.

Clinical usefulness of esophagogastric junction distensibility measurement in patients with achalasia before and after peroral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of measuring the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility index (DI) in patients with achalasia before and after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective data were collected from 195 patients who underwent POEM from November 2014 to November 2017 at our clinic. The Eckardt score, high-resolution manometry, and EGJ distensibility were measured before and six months after POEM. Treatment failure was defined as a postprocedure Eckardt score >3 or patients who underwent repeat POEM.

RESULTS

The DI (mm2/mmHg) before and after POEM was 3.42±3.55 and 11.57±6.64, respectively (p<0.01). There was no difference in the DI between achalasia subtypes I, II, and III (11.45±6.24 versus 15.49±11.53 versus 13.27±9.49, p=0.22) or previous treatment history (15.39±10.85 versus 11.10±7.25, p=0.20). The DI was higher in patients with reflux esophagitis after POEM, but the difference was not significant (13.59±7.15 versus 12.54±10.9, p=0.571).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that EGJ distensibility measurement is useful to assess post-POEM outcomes. These findings suggest that the functional lumen imaging probe may be a useful method for assessing clinical efficacy of POEM in patients with achalasia. However, this is a costly procedure that requires experience.

POEM in Latin America: The Rise of a New Standard

BACKGROUND

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become the preferred alternative treatment to standard Heller myotomy for patients with esophageal achalasia, in Latin American countries. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a POEM in the management of achalasia with and without Chagas disease in patients receiving POEM.

METHODS

Patients who underwent POEM from tertiary centers in Latin America were included in a dedicated registry. Countries included Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Patients enrolled needed to have a preoperative manometry and swallow contrast study confirming achalasia. Clinical success was defined as significant improvement in Eckardt score after therapy.

RESULTS

POEM was technically successful in 81/89 (91%) patients (mean age, 44 y). There was a significant decrease in preprocedure and postprocedure Eckardt score from 8.7 (range, 3 to 12) to 2.15 (0 to 10) (P<0.001), preprocedure and postprocedure barium swallow evaluation (98% vs. 89%; P=0.017), and preprocedure and postprocedure lower esophageal sphincter pressure measurement (from 35 to 13.8 mm Hg; P<0.001). Clinical success was achieved in 93% of patients. Patients with Chagas disease (n=58) were 9.5 times more likely to respond to POEM (P=0.0020; odds ratio, 9.5).

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is an efficacious and safe therapeutic modality for treatment of achalasia in Latin America. Chagas disease-related achalasia seems to particularly respond better to POEM when it is performed by experienced endoscopists.

Effect of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy vs Pneumatic Dilation on Symptom Severity and Treatment Outcomes Among Treatment-Naive Patients With Achalasia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Case series suggest favorable results of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treatment of patients with achalasia. Data comparing POEM with pneumatic dilation, the standard treatment for patients with achalasia, are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of POEM vs pneumatic dilation as initial treatment of treatment-naive patients with achalasia.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized multicenter clinical trial was conducted at 6 hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and the United States. Adult patients with newly diagnosed achalasia and an Eckardt score greater than 3 who had not undergone previous treatment were included. The study was conducted between September 2012 and July 2015, the duration of follow-up was 2 years after the initial treatment, and the final date of follow-up was November 22, 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

Randomization to receive POEM (n = 67) or pneumatic dilation with a 30-mm and a 35-mm balloon (n = 66), with stratification according to hospital.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was treatment success (defined as an Eckardt score ≤3 and the absence of severe complications or re-treatment) at the 2-year follow-up. A total of 14 secondary end points were examined among patients without treatment failure, including integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter via high-resolution manometry, barium column height on timed barium esophagogram, and presence of reflux esophagitis.

RESULTS

Of the 133 randomized patients, 130 (mean age, 48.6 years; 73 [56%] men) underwent treatment (64 in the POEM group and 66 in the pneumatic dilation group) and 126 (95%) completed the study. The primary outcome of treatment success occurred in 58 of 63 patients (92%) in the POEM group vs 34 of 63 (54%) in the pneumatic dilation group, a difference of 38% ([95% CI, 22%-52%]; P < .001). Of the 14 prespecified secondary end points, no significant difference between groups was demonstrated in 10 end points. There was no significant between-group difference in median integrated relaxation pressure (9.9 mm Hg in the POEM group vs 12.6 mm Hg in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.7 mm Hg [95% CI, -2.1 to 7.5]; P = .07) or median barium column height (2.3 cm in the POEM group vs 0 cm in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.3 cm [95% CI, 1.0-3.6]; P = .05). Reflux esophagitis occurred more often in the POEM group than in the pneumatic dilation group (22 of 54 [41%] vs 2 of 29 [7%]; difference, 34% [95% CI, 12%-49%]; P = .002). Two serious adverse events, including 1 perforation, occurred after pneumatic dilation, while no serious adverse events occurred after POEM.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among treatment-naive patients with achalasia, treatment with POEM compared with pneumatic dilation resulted in a significantly higher treatment success rate at 2 years. These findings support consideration of POEM as an initial treatment option for patients with achalasia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register number: NTR3593.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia According to Manometric Subtype

Background/Aims

We evaluated whether manometric subtype is associated with treatment outcome in patients with achalasia treated by peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Methods

High-resolution manometry data and Eckardt scores were collected from 83 cases at two tertiary referral centers where POEM is performed. Manometric tracings were classified according to the three Chicago subtypes.

Results

Among the 83 cases, 48 type I, 24 type II, and 11 type III achalasia cases were identified. No difference was found in pre-POEM Eckardt score, basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, or integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) among the type I, type II, and type III groups. All three patient groups showed a significant improvement in post-POEM Eckardt score (6.1±2.1 to 1.5±1.5, p=0.001; 6.8±2.2 to 1.2±0.9, p=0.001; 6.6±2.0 to 1.6±1.4, p=0.011), LES pressure (26.1±13.8 to 15.4±6.8, p=0.018; 32.3±19.0 to 19.2±10.4, p=0.003; 36.8±19.2 to 17.5±9.7, p=0.041), and 4s IRP (21.5±11.7 to 12.0±8.7, p=0.007; 24.5±14.8 to 12.0±7.6, p=0.002; 24.0±15.7 to 11.8±7.1, p=0.019) at a median follow-up of 16 months.

Conclusions

POEM resulted in a good clinical outcome for all manometric subtypes.

Endoscopy versus radiology in post-procedural monitoring after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)

BACKGROUND

The newly developed technique of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been shown to be effective in several short- and mid-term studies. Limited information is available about the adequacy of immediate post-POEM monitoring tests.

METHODS

POEM was performed under general anesthesia in 228 patients (59.6% male, mean age 45.6 ± 15.5 years). Post-procedural checks comprised clinical and laboratory examination, and, during post-procedure days 1-5, endoscopy and-in the first 114 cases-radiologic examination using water-soluble contrast (1st group); the remaining patients underwent post-procedure controls without radiology (2nd group). Main outcome was value of endoscopic compared to radiologic control for recognition of early adverse events.

RESULTS

In the first group, routine fluoroscopic contrast swallow suggested minor leakages at the mucosal entry site in two cases which was confirmed endoscopically in only one. Endoscopy revealed two minor entry site leakages and, in six additional cases, dislocated clips without leakage (overall 5.3%). All eight patients underwent reclipping and healed without clinical sequelae. In the 2nd group, endoscopy showed 5 clip dislocations (all reclipped) and one ischemic cardiac perforation in a patient with clinical deterioration on post-POEM day 1 who had to undergo surgery after confirmation of leakage by CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiologic monitoring (contrast swallow) after POEM is not useful and can be omitted. Even routine endoscopic monitoring for detection and closure of minor defects of the mucosal entry site yields limited information with regards to final outcome; major complications are very rare and probably associated with clinical deterioration. Clinical Trials Gov Registration number of the main study: NCT01405417.

Update on therapeutic interventions for the management of achalasia

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder. It is the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which characterizes this rare condition. Its features typically include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. The ultimate goal in treating achalasia is to relieve the patient's symptoms, improve esophageal emptying, and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. Current treatment modalities targeted at achalasia include pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. This review focuses on the current therapeutic options and explores the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management armamentarium.

Reduced postoperative pain scores and narcotic use favor per-oral endoscopic myotomy over laparoscopic Heller myotomy

INTRODUCTION

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a less invasive therapy for achalasia with a shorter hospitalization but with similar short- and long-term outcomes as a laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Previous literature comparing POEM to LHM has focused primarily on postoperative outcome parameters such as complications, dysphagia scores and gastro-esophageal reflux severity. This study specifically compares postoperative pain following POEM to pain following LHM, the current gold-standard operation.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing POEM or LHM for achalasia was performed from 2006 to 2015. Data collection included demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS) and pain scores (arrival to the recovery room, 1 h postoperative, average first 24 h and upon discharge). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Forty-four POEM patients and 122 LHM patients were identified. The average age (52.2 ± 20.75 vs 50.9 ± 17.89 years, p = 0.306) and BMI (28.1 ± 7.62 vs 27.6 ± 7.07 kg/m², p = 0.824) did not differ between the POEM and LHM groups, respectively; however, the American Society of Anesthesiology scores were higher in the POEM patients (2.43 ± 0.62 vs 2.11 ± 0.71, p = 0.011). There were no differences in rates of smoking, diabetes, cardiac disease or pulmonary disease. The average pain scores upon arrival to the recovery room and 1 h postoperatively were lower in the POEM group (2.3 ± 3.014 vs 3.61 ± 3 0.418, p = 0.025 and 2.2 ± 2.579 vs 3.46 ± 3.063, p = 0.034, respectively). There was no difference in the average pain score over the first 24 h (2.7 ± 2.067 vs 3.29 ± 1.980, p = 0.472) or at the time of discharge (1.6 ± 2.420 vs 2.09 ± 2.157, p = 0.0657) between the POEM and LHM groups. After standardizing opioid administration against 10 mg of oral morphine, the POEM group used significantly less narcotics that the LHM group (35.8 vs 101.8 mg, p < 0.001) while hospitalized. The average LOS for the POEM group was 31.2 h and 55.79 for the LHM group (p < 0.0001). At discharge, fewer POEM patients required a prescription for a narcotic analgesic (6.81 vs 92.4 %, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

POEM demonstrated significantly less postoperative pain upon arrival to the recovery room and 1 h postoperatively. To achieve similar pain scores during the first 24 h and at discharge, LHM patients required more narcotic analgesic administration. Despite a significantly shorter LOS, fewer POEM patients require a prescription for narcotic analgesics compared to LHM. POEM is a less painful procedure for achalasia than LHM, permitting earlier hospital discharge with little need for home narcotic use.

Achalasia: From Bench to Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder with an estimated annual incidence of 1 per 100,000 persons. It is characterized by the absence of esophageal peristalsis and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax upon swallowing, resulting in progressively severe dysphagia for solids and liquids, regurgitation, aspiration, chest pain and weight loss. Achalasia results from a loss of enteric neurons, most likely due to an autoimmune reaction in patients with a particular immunogenetic background. To date, 3 manometric subtypes have been identified based on high resolution manometry. To what extent these subtypes also indicate differences in underlying pathophysiological mechanisms is however unclear. As achalasia cannot be cured, treatment is confined to disruption of the LES to improve bolus passage and thereby relieving symptoms. The 2 most commonly used treatment modalities available for this purpose include pneumodilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy. Both treatments have been shown repeatedly to be successful; however, success rates decline in time, most likely due to progression of the disease. A recent European randomized trial provides objective data indicating that both treatments are equally effective. In view of these data and the low incidence of the disease, the choice between these 2 treatments should be based on the expertise and experience available. Recently, excellent short-term success rates have been reported with a new endoscopic technique, that is, peroral endoscopic myotomy. However, longer follow-up data are absolutely needed before accepting this technique as a new treatment option for achalasia in clinical practice.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: Outcomes of the First 100 Patients With Short-term Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this study is to report the mid-term outcomes of a large series of patients treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in a single European center.

BACKGROUND

POEM is a recently developed treatment of achalasia, which combines the efficacy of surgical myotomy, with the benefits of an endoscopic procedure. Previous studies, including few patients with a short-term follow-up, showed excellent results on dysphagia relief.

METHODS

The first 100 adult patients treated in a single tertiary referral center were retrospectively identified and included in this study (41 men, mean age 48.4 years). Patients were treated according to a standard technique. Follow-up data, including clinical evaluation, and results of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), manometry, and pH monitoring were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

POEM was completed in 94% of patients. Mean operative time was 83 minutes (49-140  minutes). No complications occurred. Patients were fed after a median of 2 days (1-4 days). A mean follow-up of 11 months (3-24 months) was available for 92 patients. Clinical success was documented in 94.5% of patients. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring documented Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in 53.4% of patients. However, only a minority of patients had heartburn (24.3%) or esophagitis (27.4%), and these patients were successfully treated with proton-pump inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the efficacy of POEM in a large series of patients, with a mean follow-up of 11 months. Should our results be confirmed by long-term follow-up studies, POEM may become one of the first-line therapies of achalasia in the next future.

Two-Person Technique of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia with an Advanced Endoscopist and a Thoracic Surgeon: Initial Experience

Background and Aims. We initiated peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) utilizing a two-person technique with combination of an advanced endoscopist and a thoracic surgeon with complementary skills. Our aim was to determine the feasibility and outcomes in initial 20 patients. Methods. In this observational study, main outcomes measured were therapeutic success in relieving symptoms (Eckardt score < 3), decrease in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures, improvement in emptying on timed barium esophagogram (TBE), and complications. Results. POEM was successful in all 20 patients with a mean operative time of 140.1 + 32.9 minutes. Eckardt symptom scores decreased significantly at two-month follow-up (6.4 + 2.9 versus 0.25 + 0.45, p < 0.001). Both basal and residual LES pressures decreased significantly (28.2 + 14.1 mmHg versus 12.8 + 6.3 and 22.4 + 11.3 versus 6.3 + 3.4 mmHg, p = 0.025 and <0.001, resp.). Barium column height at 5 minutes on TBE reduced from 6.8 + 4.9 cm to 2.3 + 2.9 cm (p = 0.05). Two patients (10%) had mucosal perforations and one had delayed bleeding (5%). Conclusions. Two-person technique of POEM with combination of an advanced endoscopist and a thoracic surgeon is highly successful with low risk of complications.

Evaluation of anesthesia management, feasibility and efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia performed in the endoscopy unit

INTRODUCTION

Data on anesthesia management and outcomes associated with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) performed exclusively in the endoscopy unit are limited. In this prospective study, we evaluated the safety of anesthesia management, and the feasibility and efficacy of POEM performed exclusively in the endoscopy unit.

METHODS

A single-center prospective study of consecutive patients with achalasia treated with POEM in an endoscopy unit was performed. Safety of anesthesia management and POEM were determined by procedure-related adverse events. Feasibility was assessed by completion rate. Short-term efficacy was established by clinical success (Eckardt score ≤ 3) and by comparing Eckardt and dysphagia scores before and after POEM.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 52) underwent POEM under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation. Aspiration was prevented by keeping patients on a clear liquid diet before the procedure without requiring a prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy for esophageal content clearance. POEM completion rate was 96 % (50/52 patients). There was no post-POEM bleeding. Postprocedure leak was observed in one patient (3 %). Four patients (7.7 %) experienced mucosal injury, three of them were treated uneventfully endoscopically and one required laparoscopic repair. Clinical success was achieved in 88 % of patients. There was a significant decrease in the mean Eckardt score (8.1 to 1.4) and dysphagia score (2.4 to 0.4) (P < 0.0001) at the one month follow up after POEM.

CONCLUSION

Anesthesia management of POEM is safe in the endoscopy unit and aspiration can be prevented without requiring prior esophagogastroduodenoscopy for esophageal content clearance. Overall, POEM performed by a gastroenterologist in the endoscopy unit was feasible and effective for the treatment of achalasia.

A stepwise approach for peroral endoscopic myotomy for treating achalasia: from animal models to patients

OBJECTIVES

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was initially developed for the treatment of achalasia. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of a stepwise approach for POEM in the management of achalasia.

METHODS

A total of five ex-vivo porcine esophagus-stomach training models were created and POEM was performed. Then, 25 patients with achalasia were treated similarly. The Eckardt score, barium esophagrams, and high-resolution manometry were used to evaluate its efficacy.

RESULTS

POEM procedures were completed in five stomach-esophagus models, with perforations in the initial three and success in the last two. A total of 25 achalasia patients (13 males, 12 females) with achalasia successfully underwent POEM. The mean operation time was 72.0 min (range, 45-180 min). There were two complications--one case each of severe bleeding and pneumothorax--that were both treated successfully. During the follow-up period, the median Eckardt score decreased dramatically from 8 to 1 (p = 0.000). The lower basal esophageal sphincter pressure decreased markedly (41.3 ± 12.6 vs. 11.3 ± 4.3 mmHg, p = 0.000), as well as the 4-s integrated relaxation pressure (37.1 ± 12.6 vs. 7.1 ± 2.4 mmHg, p = 0.000). Additionally, the maximum esophagus width was significantly reduced (mean reduced width: 1.6 ± 1.1 cm, p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The ex-vivo porcine esophagus-stomach can be used as a simple and cheap training model that mimics the POEM procedure. POEM is a safe and effective therapy for achalasia patients.

Current Therapeutic Options for Esophageal Motor Disorders as Defined by the Chicago Classification

With the development of high-resolution manometry and specific metrics to characterize esophageal motility, the Chicago Classification has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders. Major and significant disorders, that is, never observed in healthy subjects, are achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, distal esophageal spasm, absent peristalsis, and hypercontractile (Jackhammer) esophagus. Achalasia subtyping is relevant to predict the response to endoscopic and surgical therapies as several studies suggest that, pneumatic dilation is less effective than Heller myotomy, in type III achalasia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy, initially developed in expert centers, is a promising technique for the treatment of achalasia. The medical therapeutic options for distal esophageal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus are smooth muscle relaxants and pain modulators. Intraesophageal injection of botulinum toxin might be an interesting option for treatment of these disorders but further studies are required to determine the optimal injection protocol and the best candidates based on manometric patterns. The treatment of hypotensive motility disorders is disappointing and relies mainly on dietary and lifestyle changes as no effective esophageal prokinetic is currently available.

Clinical Effect of Endoscopic Pneumatic Dilation for Achalasia

Although pneumatic dilation is an accepted method for the treatment of achalasia, this therapy has high recurrence and complication rates, and prolonged follow-up studies on the parameters associated with various outcomes are rare. In this prospective 10-year follow-up study, a satisfactory therapeutic effect was achieved without serious complications. We report the therapeutic experience with pneumatic dilation, having aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical safety and efficacy of pneumatic dilation. In total, 35 consecutive patients with idiopathic achalasia who underwent pneumatic dilation were followed up at regular intervals in person or by a phone interview over a 10-year period. The mean duration of the follow-up was 43.03 ± 26.34 months (range 6-120 months). Remission was assessed by the dysphagia classification and symptom scores. Patients' clinical symptom scores were calculated before and at 6 to 36  months, 37 to 60  months, and >60  months after therapy. The influence of the patients' age, gender, and disease duration on the therapeutic effect was analyzed. The success rate of the operation was 97.2% (35/36), without massive hemorrhaging, perforation or other serious complications. Dysphagia after the therapy was significantly eased (P < 0.01). In total, 35 patients have been followed up for 6 to 36  months after therapy, 21 cases for 37 to 60  months, and 5 cases for >60  months, and the patients' symptom scores separately decreased significantly compared with the pretherapy scores (P < 0.01). For these patients, the 6 to 36  months remission rate was 85.7% (30/35), the 37 to 60  months rate was 61.9% (13/21), and the >60  months rate was 40% (2/5). The dilation effect had no relationship to the patient's age, gender, and disease duration (P > 0.05). The patients in 30 cases (85.7%) were successfully treated with a single dilation, in 4 cases (11.4%) with 2 dilations, and in 1 case (2.9%) with 3 dilations. These results suggest that endoscopic pneumatic dilation is an achalasia therapy with a good response; it is a simple and safe procedure with long-term clinical effectiveness. It is a preferred method in the treatment of achalasia.

Therapeutic options in oesophageal dysphagia

High-resolution manometry enables the categorization of patients with oesophageal dysphagia caused by oesophageal motility disorders into diagnostic categories according to the Chicago Classification. This Review provides an overview of the literature concerning treatment options for patients with dysphagia associated with achalasia, hypercontractile disorders and hypocontractility disorders of the oesophagus. In achalasia, pharmacotherapy and botulinum toxin are less effective than pneumatic dilation or surgical Heller myotomy, which had comparable efficacy in the largest controlled trial to date. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a novel therapeutic modality that is currently being evaluated in controlled trials versus pneumatic dilation or surgical myotomy. A variety of medical treatments have been evaluated in hypermotility disorders, but only botulinum toxin injection yielded favourable results in a single controlled trial. Few studies have addressed the treatment of dysphagia in patients with oesophageal hypomotility. A variety of prokinetic agents have been studied, but there is no evidence of clinically relevant efficacy from controlled trials.

Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an evolving therapeutic modality for achalasia. We aim to determine efficacy of POEM for the treatment of achalasia and compare it with laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analyses was conducted on 19 studies using POEM for achalasia. Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane, and Ovid databases, were searched using the terms 'achalasia', 'POEM', 'peroral endoscopic myotomy', 'per oral endoscopic myotomy', and 'per-oral endoscopic myotomy'. Reduction in Eckhart's score and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 1,045 patients underwent POEM in 29 studies. Ninety patients undergoing POEM was compared with 160 undergoing LHM in five studies. Nineteen and 14 studies, respectively, evaluated for Eckhart's score and LES pressure. There was significant reduction in Eckhart's score and LES pressure with effect sizes of -7.95 (p < 0.0001) and -7.28 (p < 0.0001), respectively. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies [(Q = 83.06; I (2) = 78.33 %; p < 0.0001) for Eckhart's score and (Q = 61.44; I (2) = 75.68 %; p < 0.0001) for LES pressure]. There were no differences between POEM and LHM in reduction in Eckhart's score, post-operative pain scores and analgesic requirements, length of hospital stay, adverse events, and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux/reflux esophagitis. Operative time was significantly lower for POEM.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is effective for achalasia and has similar outcomes as LHM. Multicenter randomized trials need to be conducted to further compare the efficacy and safety of POEM between treatment naïve achalasia patients and those who failed treatment.

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.

Management strategies for achalasia

Treatment options for achalasia include oral pharmacologic therapy, endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, and myotomy (conventionally by laparoscopy, but more recently by an endoscopic approach). Oral pharmacologic agents have fallen out of use because of insufficient efficacy and frequent side effects. Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin is safe and has good short-term effectiveness, but as the effect invariably wears off after a few months, this treatment is reserved for patients who are not candidates for more definitive treatments. Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are currently considered the most effective treatments, with similar effectiveness in randomized controlled trials with follow-up of up to 2 years. The risk/benefit ratio and choice of therapy depend on patient characteristics (age, comorbidities, disease stage, prior treatments), patient's preference, and locally available expertise. Treatment of patients who fail or relapse after initial therapy is challenging and the success rate of pneumatic dilation or myotomy in this group is lower compared with previously untreated patients. The recently developed peroral endoscopic approach to myotomy has achieved excellent results in early uncontrolled studies, but high-quality randomized trials are needed to ensure widespread adoption is reasonable. Finally, retrospective data suggest that achalasia subtypes as defined by high-resolution esophageal pressure topography may guide treatment choice, but confirmation in prospective outcome studies is awaited.

Achalasia: advances in treatment

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder, which shows distinct clinical, manometric, radiologic, and pathologic features. Available treatment strategies are pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical. In the past decades preferred treatment has alternated between surgical myotomy (presently Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy [LHM]) and endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD). While surgical myotomy promises superior long-term results and significantly less retreatment, endoscopic balloon dilation is initially far less invasive and yields comparable results after redilation. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) aims to combine the minimal invasive approach through the mouth with the better long-term results after LHM. Initial findings in the literature point to comparable success-rates after POEM and LHM. In the literature complication rates are similar to those obtained after surgery. This new interventional technique should be subject to randomized controlled trials and compared to EBD and LHM.

Retrograde myotomy: a variation in per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) technique

BACKGROUND

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has evolved as a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. The originally described dissection technique involves cutting the inner circular esophageal muscle fibers in an antegrade fashion. We have modified this technique by commencing the muscular division at the most distal aspect of the submucosal tunnel and continuing the dissection in a retrograde fashion. We present our initial series of patients performed using this modified technique.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected database. Peri- and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. POEM procedures were performed in a near-identical manner as previously published.

RESULTS

Retrograde myotomy was performed on five patients with a diagnosis of achalasia. Four had a history of prior treatment including balloon dilation, with one of these having a prior surgical myotomy. Retrograde POEM procedures were performed with trace blood loss and without any complications. Mean operative time was 85 min. All patients had normal esophagram studies, and diets were advanced as per protocol.

CONCLUSION

POEM was developed as a minimally invasive method for the treatment of achalasia. Our retrograde dissection modification allows the most critical portion of the case, namely division of the lower esophageal and upper gastric circular muscle fibers, to be performed earlier in the case. This ensures adequate dissection of the primary site of esophageal dysfunction should problems arise during the procedure. The modification is straightforward, without the need for additional training or equipment, and appears to provide a more rapid myotomy with less charring in this small cohort of patients.