Experience in Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in a Center in Bogotá, Colombia, Between 2018 and 2022

Abstract

Background: Achalasia is a low-incidence disease, but it significantly affects the life quality of patients. Before 2010, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was the preferred course of treatment. However, due to its effectiveness and safety, POEM has been widely used since then. Objective: To describe the results of the largest cohort of patients with achalasia–treated with endoscopic surgery–with the poem technique to date in Colombia. Methods: Observational cohort study that included patients treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy in the city of Bogota, Colombia, between 2018 and 2022. Information from medical records was collected and analyzed retrospectively, with subsequent telephone follow-up prospectively. The presurgical and follow-up Eckardt scale was used to establish clinical success. Results: Between 2018 and 2022, 31 patients were intervened, 61% of which were men. The mean age was 47 years. Technical and clinical success was obtained in 97% of cases, with an Eckardt score less than or equal to three, in 93%, at two months of follow-up. Forty-five percent of the procedures were outpatient. The complication rate was 10%. Conclusion: Our study shows that peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia management is an effective, low complication rate, and safe technique to perform on an outpatient basis.