Peroral endoscopic myotomy in a 4-year-old patient

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Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a legitimate method for treating esophageal achalasia. It has been used in the Czech Republic since 2012. In the adult patient population, use of this method is already quite widespread. In pediatrics, however, our experience with the procedure is still limited. In this case report, we present on the case of what is, according to our best knowledge, the youngest Czech child with esophageal achalasia who, at just under 4 years of age, successfully underwent POEM. Prior to treatment, the child was often sick and failing to thrive, suffering from chronic cough and recurrent vomiting. Thanks to this minimally invasive method, the child can now fully develop her growth potential without the limiting symptoms of esophageal achalasia. Due to the patient’s age, it was not possible to perform standard high-resolution esophageal manometry. The diagnosis was finally confirmed by innovative endoluminal impedance planimetry, called functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) topography, which we performed perioperatively. Our patient’s case confirms that POEM can be considered an alternative equivalent to laparoscopic or classical myotomy in pediatrics. In the hands of an experienced endoscopist, it is a safe and effective procedure. Keywords POEM, achalasia, peroral endoscopic myotomy, pediatric, endoluminal impedance planimetry