Non-achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of per-oral endoscopic myotomy in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Per‑oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the preferred endoscopic modality for managing achalasia cardia. However, there are no recommendations on the role of POEM in non‑achalasia esophageal dysmotility disorders (NAEMD), including esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm (DES), and hypercontractile esophagus (HE). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of POEM in the treatment of NAEMD. MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception to August 2023 for studies analyzing the outcome of POEM in NAEMD. Clinical success and adverse events were the main outcomes assessed. The event rates and their 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random effects model. A total of 11 studies with 271 patients were included in the final analysis. The pooled clinical success rate with POEM in NAEMD was 86.9% (82.9-90.9). On subgroup analysis, the pooled clinical success rates of POEM in DES and EGJOO were 97.8% (90.9-100.0) and 92.7% (86.3-95.1), which were significantly higher thanin HE 81.2% (73.5-88.8). Data from limited studies showed that the pooled rate of improvement in dysphagia and chest pain was 88.5% (83.0-93.9) and 87.4% (80.5-94.4). The pooled incidence of overall AEs and serious AEs was 12.6% (5.7-19.5) and 0.3% (0.0-1.9), respectively. On follow-up, the pooled incidence of new-onset heartburn was 18.7% (11.1-26.2). POEM is a safe and efficacious treatment modality for the management of NAEMD with a lower clinical success in patients with HE. Further large-scale studies are required to validate the findings of the present analysis.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Patients with Type III Achalasia and Non Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders.

Background : Achalasia is a disease characterized by dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. It is now classified into three subtypes according to the Chicago classification. Type III achalasia is characterized by lower esophageal sphincter obstruction with premature or spastic distal esophageal contractions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in patients with type III achalasia as well as non achalasia esophageal motility disorders. Methods : This pilot prospective observational study was carried out on 12 patients aged from 18 to 75 years old, both sexes, with achalasia type III and non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders. Follow up after 3 months of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy was evaluated by Eckardt score. Results : There is significant decrease in mean Eckardt score after Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (9.83 vs 1.17, P < 0.001) as t-test showed (t-test 13.23 with 95% CI 7.23- 10.11). Thus, the effect of POEM on reducing Eckardt score is statistically significant. During the operative procedure, the average length of myotomy measured 20.42 cm, with a mean operative duration of 55.33 minutes. Following a mean follow-up period of 15.83 months, the mean Eckardt score decreased to 1.17. Bleeding occurred during the procedure in three cases (25%), while mucosal injury was observed in only one case. Additionally, one case experienced postoperative chest infection. Conclusions : Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy is safe and effective intervention in the management of achalasia type III as well as non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders

Correction: When less is more: lower esophageal sphincter-preserving peroral endoscopic myotomy is effective for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders.

Correction: When less is more: lower esophageal sphincter-preserving peroral endoscopic myotomy is effective for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders.

When less is more: lower esophageal sphincter-preserving peroral endoscopic myotomy is effective for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders.

Non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders (NAEMDs), encompassing distal esophageal spasm (DES) and hypercontractile esophagus (HCE), are rare conditions. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a promising treatment option. In NAEMDs, unlike with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) functions normally, suggesting the potential of LES preservation during POEM. This retrospective two-center observational study focused on patients undergoing LES-preserving POEM (LES-POEM) for NAEMD. Eckardt scores were assessed pre-POEM and at 6, 12, and 24 months post-POEM, with follow-up endoscopy at 6 months to evaluate for reflux esophagitis. Clinical success, defined as an Eckardt score ≤3, served as the primary outcome. 227 patients were recruited over 84 months until May 2021. Of these, 16 underwent LES-POEM for an NAEMD (9 with HCE and 7 with DES). The median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 5.0-7.0), which decreased to 1.0 (IQR 0.0-1.8; P<0.001) 6 months post-POEM. This was sustained at 24 months, with an Eckardt score of 1.0 (IQR 0.0-1.8; P<0.001). Two patients (12.5%) developed Los Angeles grade A or B esophagitis. LES-POEM for NAEMD demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes, with infrequent esophagitis and reintervention for LES dysfunction rarely required.

Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal Motility Disorders Beyond Achalasia

Abstract High-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders. Achalasia cardia has been the most extensively studied esophageal motility disorder. However, nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders are common too. The present review highlights the diagnosis and management strategies for these disorders. HREM needs to be complemented with clinical symptoms and timed barium esophagogram/functional lumen imaging probe to properly diagnose spastic and hypomotility disorders. Use of Indian normative values is essential to identify patients with these motility disorders accurately. Adjunctive tests such as multiple rapid swallows and rapid drink challenge increase the diagnostic accuracy of HREM studies. HREM is mainly useful in reflux patients with refractory symptoms and for preoperative assessment. Its role in postsurgical cases is evolving.

Short-term Outcome of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Performed by the Same Endoscopist on Achalasia and Nonachalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a relatively new but increasingly therapeutic option for achalasia. In recent years, POEM has been used for nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders (NAEMDs), such as diffuse esophageal spasm, esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction, and hypercontractile disorder, with some clinical success. No studies thus far compare the outcomes of these two groups. We perform the first head-to-head comparison of outcomes after POEM in patients with achalasia and NAEMD. A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing POEM at one university hospital by a single expert endoscopist from July 2021 to December 2022 was performed. All patients were symptomatic, and the presence of esophageal motility disorders was confirmed using multiple diagnostic modalities. These patients were then divided into 2 groups, achalasia and NAEMD, based on the underlying diagnosis. Statistical analysis of different clinical outcomes, including effectiveness and safety, was performed. Thirty-seven patients (mean age: 59.55, females: 22) underwent POEM in the study period. Twenty patients had achalasia and 17 patients had NAEMD. The median myotomy length was 5.5 cm for the achalasia group and 10 cm for the NAEMD group. This excluded patients with esophagogastric junction outlet obstruction in which the median myotomy length was 3 cm. The procedure time, the duration of hospital stays, the rates of same-day discharge, and complications were similar between the two. Short-term outcomes of POEM for the two groups were similar with improvement in 94% of patients in the achalasia group and 93.75% in the NAEMD group. Contrary to prior observations, our study highlights that POEM is equally effective in achieving clinical improvement in patients with NAEMD as achalasia over 6 months of follow-up. In addition, POEM has a comparable safety profile in both patient groups making it a feasible therapeutic option for these debilitating and challenging disorders.

S1237 Efficacy and Safety of POEM for Treatment of Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Single Center Experience

S1237 Efficacy and Safety of POEM for Treatment of Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Single Center Experience

Distal Esophageal Spasm: An Updated Review.

Distal esophageal spasm is characterized by premature contractions of the distal esophageal smooth muscle leading to non-obstructive dysphagia and non-cardiac chest pain. Diagnosis requires the presence of symptoms along with evidence of at least 20% premature contractions in the setting of a normal lower esophageal sphincter relaxation on high-resolution manometry. New updates to the Chicago Classification have improved the diagnostic accuracy of this method. Functional lumen imaging probe is a growing diagnostic modality that gives a more complete picture of esophageal motility. Pharmacologic treatment remains inadequate. Endoscopic myotomy might be of benefit for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders. More research is required to better understand the pathophysiology and develop safe and long-lasting management for this disease.

Long-term Outcome of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Esophageal Motility Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the mid and long-term outcomes of POEM in esophageal motility disorders. Literature search was performed in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases, and Google scholar from January 2010 to May 2021. The primary objective of the study was the clinical success (Eckardt score ≤3 or <4) at mid-term (30 to 60 mo) and long-term (>60 mo) follow-up after POEM. Secondary objectives included post-POEM gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as evaluated by symptoms, increased esophageal acid exposure, and reflux esophagitis. Seventeen studies with 3591 patients were included in the review. Subtypes of motility disorders were type I (27%), type II (54.5%), type III (10.7%), distal esophageal spasm/Jackhammer esophagus (2%), and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (17.5%). Pooled mean follow-up duration was 48.9 months (95% CI, 40.02-57.75). Pooled rate of clinical success at mid-term follow-up was 87% (95% CI, 81-91; I2 , 86%) and long-term was 84% (95% CI, 76-89; I2 , 47%). In nonachalasia motility disorders (esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, distal esophageal spasm, and Jackhammer esophagus), pooled rate of clinical success was 77% (95% CI, 65-85; I2 , 0%). GER as estimated by symptoms was 23% (95% CI, 19-27; I2 , 74%), erosive esophagitis was 27% (95% CI, 18-38%; I2 , 91%), and increased esophageal acid exposure was 41% (95% CI, 30-52; I2 , 88%). POEM is a durable treatment option in cases with achalasia. One-fourth of patients suffer from erosive GER in the long-term and success rates are lower in nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Motility Disorders.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the most clinically successful tunnel-based minimally invasive endoscopic treatments. The classic indications of POEM include achalasia of all types, including failed prior treatments, and expanded indications include the non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders, such as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, diffuse esophageal spasm, and jackhammer esophagus. For achalasia treatment, POEM has achieved a comparable surgical efficacy and a safety outcome and, therefore, has emerged as a first-line treatment. For non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders, POEM has also shown high clinical response rates. The complication rate of POEM for esophageal motility disorders is low and most complications are managed with conservative treatment. Currently, POEM is a representative procedure of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, which has shown a good clinical efficacy with low complication rates for esophageal motility disorders including achalasia. However, further studies are needed to treat non-achalasia motility disorder via POEM.

Non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders: Role of per-oral endoscopic myotomy

Non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders: Role of per-oral endoscopic myotomy

Efficacy of per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of non-achalasia esophageal motor disorders

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is effective in achalasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of POEM in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders (NAEMD). Patients with NAEMD diagnosed by high-resolution manometry were included in a retrospective multicentric study. For each individual case, two controls paired on gender and age were matched: one with type I/II achalasia and one with type III achalasia. The clinical response, defined by an Eckardt score ≤ 3, was assessed at 3 and 6months. Ninety patients (mean age 66years, 57 men) were included, 30 patients with NAEMD (13 jackhammer esophagus, 6 spastic esophageal disorders, 4 nutcracker esophagus, and 7 esophagogastric junction obstruction), 30 patients with type I-II achalasia, and 30 patients with type III achalasia. The 3-month response rates were 80% (24/30), 90% (27/30), and 100% (30/30) in NAEMD, type I-II achalasia and type III achalasia, respectively (p < 0.01). Eckardt scores improved from preoperative baseline in all groups (median scores 2.0 after POEM vs. 6.5 before POEM, 1.3 vs. 7.2, and 0.5 vs. 6.1 in NAEMD, type I//I and Type III, respectively). No predictive factor of response was identified. In NAEMD patients, there was a significant improvement of dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain scores. The 6-month response rates were 63.2% (12/19), 95.5% (21/22), and 87.0% (20/23) in NAEMD, type I-II achalasia and type III achalasia, respectively (p = 0.03). Although less effective than in achalasia, POEM is an effective treatment for NAEMD. Long-term follow-up data are needed to further confirm that POEM may be a valid treatment of NAEMD.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is effective and safe in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders: an international multicenter study.

Background and study aims The efficacy of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders such as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and jackhammer esophagus (JE) has not been well demonstrated. The aim of this international multicenter study was to assess clinical outcomes of POEM in patients with non-achalasia disorders, namely DES, JE, and EGJOO, in a large cohort of patients. Patients and methods This was a retrospective study at 11 centers. Consecutive patients who underwent POEM for EGJOO, DES, or JE between 1/2014 and 9/2016 were included. Rates of technical success (completion of myotomy), clinical response (symptom improvement/Eckardt score ≤ 3), and adverse events (AEs, severity per ASGE lexicon) were ascertained . Results Fifty patients (56 % female; mean age 61.7 years) underwent POEM for EGJOO (n = 15), DES (n = 17), and JE (n = 18). The majority of patients (68 %) were treatment-naïve. Technical success was achieved in all patients with a mean procedural time of 88.4 ± 44.7 min. Mean total myotomy length was 15.1 ± 4.7 cm. Chest pain improved in 88.9 % of EGJOO and 87.0 % of DES/JE ( P = 0.88). Clinical success was achieved in 93.3 % of EGJOO and in 84.9 % of DES/JE ( P = 0.41) with a median follow-up of 195 and 272 days, respectively. Mean Eckardt score decreased from 6.2 to 1.0 in EGJOO ( P < 0.001) and from 6.9 to 1.9 in DES/JE ( P < 0.001). A total of 9 (18 %) AEs occurred and were rated as mild in 55.6 % and moderate in 44.4 %. Conclusion POEM is effective and safe in management of non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders, which include DES, JE, and EGJOO.

Tu1252 Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Effective and Safe in Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders Including Spastic Esophageal Disease and Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction: an International Multicenter Study

Tu1252 Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Effective and Safe in Non-Achalasia Esophageal Motility Disorders Including Spastic Esophageal Disease and Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction: an International Multicenter Study

Treatment of symptomatic nonachalasia esophageal motor disorders with botulinum toxin injection at the lower esophageal sphincter.

The purpose of this study was to determine if botulinum toxin injection at the lower esophageal sphincter improves symptoms in patients with nonachalasia spastic esophageal motility disorders. Fifteen patients with nonachalasia spastic esophageal motility disorders (diffuse esophageal spasm, nonspecific esophageal motility disorders, and lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction) unresponsive to medical therapy underwent endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin at the level of the gastroesophageal junction. Symptoms were scored (0 = no symptoms, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe and 4 = very severe) before treatment, at seven days and every 30 days after treatment. There was significant improvement in chest pain, dysphagia, and regurgitation at 7,30,60 and 90 days after treatment. At one month after treatment, 11 of 15 (73%) patients had a good or excellent response to treatment. At the last patient interview (mean follow-up of 10.6 months), five (33%) patients continued to have a good to excellent response, whereas 10 (67%) underwent subsequent treatment with repeat botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilation, or bougienage. We conclude that botulinum toxin injection at the gastroesophageal junction leads to significant symptom improvement in patients with nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders. These results suggest that botulinum toxin may be an effective treatment option in some of these patients not responsive to conventional medical therapy.