Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy For Achalasia Research Articles

Oral 10% concentrated sodium chloride for preoperative preparation of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia of cardia: a simple and effective method

Oral 10% concentrated sodium chloride for preoperative preparation of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia of cardia: a simple and effective method

Long-term efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia under different criteria.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a widely accepted treatment for achalasia, with limited studies for over 2 years. Additionally, traditional measurements of achalasia after POEM have deficiencies. The study aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of POEM under different criteria. Patients with achalasia who received POEM between November 2012 and March 2021 were recruited. Patients and characteristics were shown, and risk factors related to two novel definitions of recurrence, symptomatic reflux, and reflux esophagitis were analyzed. Three hundred and twenty-one patients were included. At a median follow-up of 52 months, twenty-three failures happened (7.17%) under the modified criterion, and forty-seven failures occurred (14.64%) under the normal standard. Hospitalization (P = 0.027) and esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.039) were significantly associated with long-term efficacy under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Fifty-two patients (16.20%) reported reflux symptoms and endoscopy performed in 88 patients revealed reflux esophagitis in 22 cases (25.00%). There were no predictors in the analysis of symptomatic reflux and gender (P = 0.010), LESP (P = 0.013), IRP (P = 0.015), and the esophageal myotomy length (P = 0.032) were statistically related to reflux esophagitis. POEM is an extremely safe and effective treatment for achalasia with long-term follow-up. Shorter hospitalization and shorter esophageal myotomy length may decrease the incidence of recurrence under the modified and normal criteria, respectively. Long-term outcomes of POEM are unpredictable. No risk factors were related to symptomatic reflux, and male patients with low preoperative LESP and IRP needed relatively shorter esophageal myotomy to prevent reflux esophagitis.

The Impact of Early Nutrition Following Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia: A Tertiary Center Experience

The Impact of Early Nutrition Following Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia: A Tertiary Center Experience

Intraoperative distensibility measurement in POEM for achalasia: impact on patient outcome and associations with other outcome variables at 1-year follow-up

Background and aimsThe functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) can provide measurements of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) distensibility. Studies report that use of intraoperative FLIP examination during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia is associated with treatment success, but evidence is limited and inconsistent. The main aim of the present study was to assess associations between intraoperative FLIP values and 1-year outcomes. Additionally, associations between 1-year FLIP measurements and other 1-year outcome variables were studied.MethodsWe performed a single-center prospective study of consecutive achalasia patients treated with POEM with a standardized 1-year follow-up. The inclusion period was from June 2017 to January 2020. We compared 1-year outcomes (FLIP measurement values, Eckardt score (ES), reflux esophagitis, timed barium esophagogram (TBE), and lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (LES-rp)) in patients with and without intraoperative FLIP examination. We also assessed associations between intraoperative FLIP values, 1-year FLIP values, and other 1-year outcomes. Results are given as median (IQR), and non-parametrical statistical analyses were applied.ResultsSixty-two patients (27 females) with median age 45 years (35–54) were included. Baseline characteristics were similar in patients with (n = 32) and without (n = 30) intraoperative FLIP examination. In patients with intraoperative FLIP, ES was 2 (1–3) and LES distensibility index (DI) 3.7 (2.6–5.4) after 1 year, compared with ES 2 (1–3) and DI 4.0 (3.1–6.8)) in patients without intraoperative FLIP (ns). Intraoperative DI was not correlated with 1-year ES or DI. One-year DI correlated significantly with 1-year ES (rs − 0.42), TBE (rs − 0.34), and LES-rp (rs − 0.29).ConclusionsUse of intraoperative FLIP measurements in POEM for achalasia is not associated with improved 1-year outcome, and the clinical value of intraoperative FLIP in POEM for achalasia is questioned. Follow-up FLIP measurements are moderately associated with symptomatic outcome, and may serve as an additional diagnostic modality in post-treatment evaluation.Graphical abstract

A bibliometric analysis of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: Where have we been and where should we go next?

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a treatment for achalasia, has experienced more than ten years of development with significant global progress. We conducted a bibliometrics analysis to reveal the publication trend, influential representative and their cooperation, knowledge base, and research hotspots in this field.

S1313 Predictors of Mortality After Heller Myotomy and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia

S1313 Predictors of Mortality After Heller Myotomy and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia

S1312 Predictors of Complications After Heller Myotomy and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia

S1312 Predictors of Complications After Heller Myotomy and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia

Defining “true acid reflux” after peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a prospective cohort study

Background & AimsThe symptoms of reflux in achalasia patients undergoing per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are believed to result from gastroesophageal reflux, and the current treatment primarily focuses on acid suppression. Nevertheless, other factors such as non-reflux acidification caused by fermentation or stasis might play a role. This study aims to identify patients with “true acid reflux” who actually require acid suppression and fundoplication. MethodsIn this prospective large cohort study, the primary objective was to assess the incidence and risk factors for “true acid reflux” in achalasia patients undergoing POEM. Acid reflux with normal and delayed clearance defined the “true acid reflux”, while other patterns were labelled as “non-reflux acidification patterns” on manual analysis of pH tracings. These findings were corroborated with symptom questionnaire, esophagogastroscopy, esophageal manometry, timed barium esophagogram at 3 months after the POEM procedure. Results54 achalasia patients, aged 18-80 years [mean age 41.1 years (12.8), 59.3% males, 90.7% type II achalasia] underwent POEM resulting in significant mean Eckardt score improvement (6.7 to 1.6;p<0.05). “True acid reflux” was noted in 29.6% as compared to 64.8% on automated analysis. Acid fermentation was the predominant acidification pattern seen in 42.7% patients. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, increasing age (OR,1.12;95%CI,1.02-1.27;p=0.04) and pre-procedural integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) (OR,1.13;95%CI,1.04–1.30;p=0.02) were significantly associated with “true acid reflux” in post-POEM patients. ConclusionA manual review of pH tracings helps identifying “true acid reflux” in post-POEM achalasia patients. Pre-procedural IRP can be a predictive factor in determining patients at risk for this outcome.

Comparing clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia between Eastern and Western countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has revolutionized the therapeutic strategy for achalasia with promising results. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes between Eastern and Western countries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to query for studies that assessed the efficacy of POEM for achalasia. All articles published from inception to December 31, 2021 were included. The primary outcome was the pooled clinical success rate. The secondary outcomes included the pooled technical success rate, incidence of adverse events, procedure time and hospital stay. Eighteen Eastern studies involving 5962 patients and 11 Western studies involving 1651 patients were included. The pooled clinical success rate and technical success rate for POEM was equal in the Eastern studies compared to Western studies. The pooled incidence of procedure adverse events for POEM was a little lower in the Eastern studies compared to Western studies (6.6% vs. 8.7%). Similarly, the incidence of reflux-related adverse events was lower in Eastern studies than that in Western studies. The pooled procedure time of POEM was shorter in Eastern studies compared to Western studies (61minutes vs. 80minutes), while the length of hospital stay was longer in Eastern studies compared to Western studies (5.8days vs. 2.4days). Overall, Eastern countries have the similar POEM outcomes compared to Western countries. However, Eastern countries still need to do more to reduce the length of hospital stay.

Comments on: "Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis".

See also: Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysisEndoscopy 2023; 55(02): 167-175DOI: 10.1055/a-1894-0147 See also: Reply to Zhang et al.Endoscopy 2023; 55(03): 298-298DOI: 10.1055/a-1931-4364

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia in Older Adults: A Retrospective Analysis of 39 Cases with a Minimum Follow-Up of 5 Years.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has demonstrated favorable short-term safety and efficacy in older adults, while a comprehensive understanding of the long-term outcomes were vague. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes in older adults' 5-year postop after undergoing POEM to treatment achalasia. Older adults from a single hospital who received POEM between January 2010 and January 2017 were analyzed. Older persons were reached to evaluate their symptoms at present and encouraged repeat examinations for objective follow-up. The clinical success, POEM-related indicators, POEM-related adverse events, and quality of life were assessed. Thirty-nine older adults with a mean age of 70.82 ± 4.72 who underwent POEM were studied at a mean 84.23 ± 25.06month follow-up. The preoperative diagnosis was achalasia type I in 7 older adults, achalasia type II in 26 older adults, and achalasia type III in 2 older adults. Sixteen older adults had prior treatment and 21 older adults suffered from comorbidities. The median operative time was 50 (25-120) minutes, and perioperative adverse events were recorded in four older adults. The current Eckardt scores were significantly lower than that before POEM (2.08 ± 2.12 vs. 6.58 ± 1.78, P < 0.001). Besides, long-term clinical success was gained in 66.7% of older adults. Three older adults received postop treatment for symptom recurrence. Ultimately, 80.6% of old adults expressed satisfaction with POEM, while 27.8% of older adults suffered from symptomatic reflux.In conclusion, POEM can provide symptomatic improvement in a large proportion of older adults with achalasia at 5-year postop.

Efficacy of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia: Evaluation of Treatment Effect using Timed Barium Esophagography

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the standard treatment modality for achalasia. This study was to evaluate the usefulness of timed barium esophagography (TBE) in the evaluation of treatment effect of POEM for achalasia. A total of 36 patients (M:F=22:14) underwent pre- and post-POEM TBE (3 groups according to lower esophageal sphincter (LES) caliber, A: &lt; 5 mm, B: 5~8 mm, C: &gt; 8 mm). On pre and post-POEM TBE, the rate of area changes of barium column and the changes of LES caliber were investigated. All data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test or Mann-Whitney U test. The mean rate of area change of the barium column at 5 minutes between pre- and post-POEM TBE were -51.7%, -28.8% and -11.6% in group A (n=10), B (n=18), and C (n=8), respectively, statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). The rate difference of the barium column area changes between group A and group B only showed the statistical significance (p &lt; 0.001). The mean increased caliber of LES after POEM was 5.5 mm, 2.9 mm, and 3.3 mm in group A, B, and C, respectively. Group A and bird’s beak type showed a statistically significant treatment effect (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, TBE was useful in the evaluation of the treatment effect of POEM for achalasia and the narrowest LES group and bird’s beak esophageal type on TBE showed statistically significant treatment effects.

Risk factors for clinical failure of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia.

The recent development of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been a game changer in the management of patients with achalasia. However, approximately 1 in 10 patients will not experience clinical success. The aim of this mini-review is to describe the current state of knowledge about the risk factors associated with POEM failure for the treatment of achalasia. Suspected risk factors are detailed into pre-, intra-, and post-procedural factors and put into perspective. Pre-procedural factors have been described, such as pre-treatment Eckardt score, previous treatments for achalasia, sigmoid type esophagus, significant esophageal dilatation, non-type II achalasia, young age and long duration of symptoms. An intra-procedural factor, mucosal injury during POEM, has also been associated with POEM failure. The occurrence of post-POEM GERD was identified as a controversial post-procedural factor associated with failure. The presumed mechanisms of POEM failure are incomplete myotomy or ineffective LES disruption, as confirmed by high-resolution manometry. However, when manometry confirms a significant decrease in LES pressure, it is likely that either impaired peristalsis or a morphologic abnormality such as extreme esophageal dilatation or severe tortuosity, which are not treated by POEM, should be suspected. Notably, a recently described adverse effect of POEM is the formation of a pseudo-diverticulum at the site of the myotomy (blown out myotomy). We finally stress the importance of performing a complete workup in case of POEM failure as different mechanisms of POEM failure should lead to different management.

A Review of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a form of transluminal endoscopic natural orifice surgery (NOTES) that uses the beginnings of submucosal endoscopy to make the endoscopic equivalent of a surgical myotomy. POEM can be done in most patients who have primary idiopathic achalasia demonstrated manometrically symptomatic. Previous therapies for achalasia, such as pneumatic balloon dilation, botulinum toxin injection, or surgical myotomy, are not contraindications to POEM. Generally, POEM is done in 4 continuous steps: incision in the mucosa, construction of a submucosal tunnel, myotomy and closure of the incision in the mucosa. Endoscopic management has been revolutionary for the treatment of achalasia and other pathological entities, however, it must be performed in specialized centres and by endoscopist surgeons with extensive experience in the subject, to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

A Review of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia

A Review of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia

Safety and Efficacy of the Supine Position with the Right Shoulder Raised versus the Left Lateral Position in Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia: A Large-Sample Retrospective Study.

Background The correct surgical position is very important in the treatment of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia, which can make the procedure safer and more efficient. Currently, there are two commonly used positions: the supine position with the right shoulder raised and the left lateral position. This study aims to evaluate the differences in the safety and efficacy of these two positions. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 702 patients with achalasia undergoing POEM from December 2010 to December 2020. These patients were divided into the supine position with the right shoulder raised group (n = 579) and the left lateral position group (n = 123). The efficacy of POEM and adverse events were analyzed. Results The clinical characteristics were similar in both groups, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in the Eckardt score change, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) basal pressure or residual pressure after POEM (all p > 0.05). The mean operative time in the supine position with the right shoulder raised group was significantly shorter than that in the left lateral position group (43.5 min vs. 54.6 min, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the differences between the two groups in terms of gas-related complications, such as pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema were statistically significant (all p < 0.05). Conclusions The efficacy of POEM was comparable between the two groups. However, the supine position with the right shoulder raised significantly reduced the operative time and the rate of procedure-related adverse events, especially gas-related complications.

Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The long-term outcomes of esophageal peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are still unknown. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus) for studies assessing outcomes after POEM for esophageal achalasia with a minimum median follow-up duration of 36 months. Pooled rates of clinical success and postoperative reflux were calculated and compared with the same values at 12/24/36 months when available. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the interstudy heterogeneity. From 1528 initial records, 11 studies (2017-2021) were included. A total of 2342 patients (age 48.1 [SD 6.8] years; 50.1 % males) with a median follow-up of 48 months (interquartile range 45-60) were analyzed. The pooled clinical success rate was 87.3 % (95 %CI 83.6 %-91.0 %; I2 = 73.1 %). The symptomatic reflux pooled rate was 22.0 % (95 %CI 14.4 %-29.5 %; I2 = 92.7 %). Three cases of peptic strictures and one Barrett's esophagus were reported. The pooled rate of severe adverse events was 1.5 % (95 %CI 0.5 %-2.5 %; I2 = 52.8 %). Long-term clinical efficacy of POEM persisted in 87 % of patients with achalasia. Post-POEM symptomatic reflux remained stable over time. The risk for Barrett's esophagus and peptic strictures appeared minimal.

Use and Safety of Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia in the US

Several professional practice guidelines recommend per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a potential first-line therapy for the management of achalasia, yet payers remain hesitant to reimburse for the procedure owing to unanswered questions regarding safety. To evaluate the use, safety, health care utilization, and costs associated with the use of POEM for treatment of achalasia relative to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and pneumatic dilation (PD). This was a retrospective national cohort study of commercially insured patients, aged 18 to 63 years, who underwent index intervention for achalasia with either LHM, PD, or POEM in the US between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. Patient data were obtained from a national commercial claims database. Included in the study were patients with at least 12 months of enrollment after index treatment and a minimum of 6 months of continuous enrollment before their index procedure. Patients 64 years or older were excluded to avoid underestimation of health care claims from enrollment in Medicare supplemental insurance. Data were analyzed from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2021. Changes in the proportion of annual procedures performed for achalasia were evaluated over time. The frequency of severe procedure-related adverse events, including perforation, pneumothorax, bleeding, and death, were compared. Negative binomial regression was used to compare the incidence rates of subsequent diagnostic testing, reintervention, and unplanned hospitalization. Generalized linear models were used to compare differences in 1-year health-related expenditures across procedures. This cohort study included a total of 1921 patients (median [IQR] age: LHM group, 48 [37-56] years; 737 men [51%]; PD group, 51 [41-58] years; 168 men [52%]; POEM group, 50 [40-57] years; 80 men [56%]). The use of POEM increased 19-fold over the study period, from 1.1% (95% CI, 0.2%-3.2%) of procedures in 2010 to 18.9% in 2017 (95% CI, 13.6%-25.3%; P = .01). Adverse events were rare and did not differ between procedures. Compared with LHM, POEM was associated with more subsequent diagnostic testing (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9-2.6) and reinterventions (IRR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3). When compared with PD, POEM was associated with more subsequent diagnostic testing (IRR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.8) but fewer reinterventions (IRR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.6). The total 1-year health care costs were similar between POEM and LHM, but significantly lower for PD (mean cost difference, $7674; 95% CI, $657-$14 692). Results of this cohort study suggest that POEM was associated with higher health care utilization compared with LHM and lower subsequent health care utilization but higher costs compared with PD. The use of POEM is increasing rapidly; payers should recognize the totality of evidence and current treatment guidelines as they consider reimbursement for POEM. Patients should be informed of the trade-offs between approaches when considering treatment.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia (sometimes also referred as E-POEM to distinguish it from its offshoots such as G-POEM for gastroparesis or Z-POEM for Zenker's diverticula) is the newest treatment modality but has already been well validated as a standard intervention for esophageal achalasia. POEM was conceived as a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedure with an incisionless, endoscopic approach to myotomy. It matches or exceeds the efficacy of its surgical counterpart, the laparoscopic Heller myotomy, with superiority for type III (spastic) achalasia. However, there are issues, especially regarding GERD after POEM that will likely result in further refinements of technique and post-procedural care. We will summarize the current status of POEM including description of technique variations and review of comparative data vis a vis Heller myotomy (HM) and pneumatic dilation (PD) and we will delve into some of the seminal issues around GERD assessment, management and prevention.

Novel triangle tip-jet knife increases efficiency in peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia.

Background and AimPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is performed globally for the treatment of achalasia. A newly available endoscopic knife, the triangle tip‐jet (TTJ) (Olympus Triangle TipKnife‐J, KD‐645L), has the capability of knife dissection along with submucosal injection. We aim to present our experience with the TTJ knife in comparison to the conventional TT knife in POEM, with a focus on procedural characteristics including time, efficiency, and the number of instrument exchanges.MethodsAll patients with achalasia who underwent POEM between March 2016 and March 2020 at a single tertiary academic center were included in the retrospective cohort. Demographic, procedural, and outcomes data were compared.ResultsNinety‐two procedures, 48 using the TT knife, and 44 with the TTJ knife were analyzed. Demographic data were similar. Procedure time was reduced using the TTJ knife (87 vs 61 min, P = <0.001) despite similar myotomy lengths (16.5 vs 15.2 cm, P = 0.09). Efficiency was increased in the TTJ group (5.5 vs 4.3 min/cm of procedure, P = 0.005). The number of instrument exchanges (16.7–1.7, P = <0.001) and usage of coagulation forceps decreased (1.7–0.5, P = <0.001). There was no difference in the procedural difficulty (POEM difficulty score [PDS] 2.2 vs 2.4, P = 0.4). Patients with higher procedural difficulty saw a greater improvement in procedural outcomes. Procedural success was high in both groups (96% vs 100%, P = 0.2). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsThe use of the TTJ knife increases efficiency during POEM for Achalasia. The total procedure time is decreased by 28–41%, and procedural efficiency is increased by 22–34%.