Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): Review of Current Techniques and Outcomes (Including Postoperative Reflux)

Abstract

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel surgical endoscopic treatment for achalasia. It is an incisionless procedure in which lower esophageal sphincter myotomy and distal esophageal myotomy are accomplished via the use of electrosurgery. The clinical results in terms of dysphagia relief and patient satisfaction have been excellent. The safety profile has also been superb. POEM seems, at least on preliminary short-term studies, to achieve results that are equivalent to LHM combined with a fundoplication. We will review in detail the emerging data on POEM.