Surgical Myotomy Research Articles

Management of GERD After Myotomy for Achalasia

Acid reflux is a well-known outcome after surgical or endoscopic myotomy, resulting from disruption of the natural anti-reflux barrier. The incidence of post-myotomy GERD remains difficult to estimate as studies cite variable definitions including endoscopic evidence of reflux, abnormal pH testing, and GERD symptoms. Future studies should focus on “clinically significant reflux” defined as abnormal pH testing associated with either GERD symptoms or endoscopic evidence of reflux esophagitis. Large meta-analyses have demonstrated significantly higher rates of abnormal acid exposure after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) compared to laparoscopic heller myotomy (LHM). Focusing on POEM, studies show that while nearly half of patients will have esophagitis on follow-up endoscopy, the majority of these cases are mild or moderate and do not lead to significant clinical sequelae. While PPI therapy can be used effectively as treatment, new anti-reflux procedures are being developed, including transoral incisional fundoplication (TIF) and POEM + fundoplication (POEM + F) that may help to manage postmyotomy reflux in the same way the Dor fundoplication is performed with Heller myotomy. Currently, there is no reliable method for determining which patients are at risk for post-myotomy GERD. New methods are being developed to help risk- stratify these patients such as the use of EndoFLIP (endoscopic intraluminal functional imaging probe) to tailor the degree of myotomy. In addition, variable techniques of POEM are being studied to understand if the procedure can be performed in such a way as to minimize or even prevent post-myotomy GERD from occurring.

Is There a Role for Pneumatic Dilation in Primary Treatment of Achalasia? Con: PD Outcomes are Too Variable and Surgical Myotomy With POEM or Heller is Better

Presently, we have 3 acceptable options for the treatment of achalasia: pneumatic dilation (PD), endoscopic myotomy (POEM), and laparoscopic myotomy (LM). Results from multicenter randomized trials demonstrate the superiority of myotomy over pneumatic dilation. While myotomy may be superior at relief of dysphagia, there may be circumstances where a thoughtful, individualized patient approach is more important.

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.

576. ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA: VERY LONG FOLLOW-UP STUDY ON PATTERNS AND COMPLICATIONS OF POST MYOTOMY GERD

Abstract Since the adoption of the Heller myotomy, surgeons have modified the original technique to balance the cure of dysphagia and the consequent cardial incontinence. Surprisingly, today post POEM 30-50% erosive-ulcerative esophagitis rates are by some put inside normality. Our group had the opportunity to follow up methodically patients submitted to Heller myotomy since 1955. Aim is to provide information on long-term outcomes of Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia with or without an antireflux fundoplication. In first instance 83 patients underwent a long abdominal myotomy (AM 1955-72), 30 patients a transthoracic myotomy according to Ellis (TM 1973-78), 364 patients the Heller-Dor operation with intraoperative manometry to calibrate myotomy, length and pressure of the Dor fundoplication (HD 1979-2021). Starting on 1973 these patients underwent a prospective follow-up program of timed lifelong clinical, radiological, endoscopic evaluations. Since 1973 an endoscopic-radiologic-clinical timed follow up has been established. GERD symptoms/esophagitis were evaluated. AM, TM and HD groups were followed up for a median period of 25, 27, 14 years respectively. GERD symptoms-esophagitis occurred in AM 29.5%-28.1%, TM 30%-30%, HD 6.6%-5.8%. Timing of esophagitis after HD revealed: early onset (6-24 months) in 8 (2.2%), late onset (25 months-14 years) in 13 (3.6%). PPIs controlled reflux symptoms (71%vs14%, p<0.0001) but not esophagitis (43%vs46%, p= 0.075). Among 50 patients with erosive/ulcerative reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus was diagnosed in 21 (42%) at a median period of 112 months since myotomy. In this group low-grade dysplasia occurred in 12 (24%) and high grade dysplasia/adenocarcinoma in 5 (10%). After surgical Heller myotomy not associated with an efficient antireflux procedure, GERD occurred in 30% which decreased to 6% after HD. A Heller-Dor operation is a competitive option for the cure of esophageal achalasia if this operation is performed according to the rules of surgical physiology learned by means of intraoperative manometry. The adoption of POEM in alternative to HD for the treatment of achalasia should be questioned.

Achalasia

Achalasia is characterized by peristaltic failure and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The incidence and prevalence of achalasia increase with age, although achalasia can affect all age groups. The pathophysiology of achalasia involves the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus. Its main symptoms include dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, and weight loss. The method of diagnosing achalasia has evolved from conventional manometry in the 1970s to high-resolution manometry in the 2010s. High-resolution manometry based on spatiotemporal plots can diagnose achalasia more precisely than conventional manometry. Moreover, novel parameters such as integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) (according to the Chicago classification) have increased diagnostic accuracy. However, cases of achalasia presenting with normal IRP have been reported. Therefore, the novel Chicago classification version 4.0 has adopted additional tests. These tests include the stress test for esophageal motor disorders, timed barium esophagography, and test using a functional lumen imaging probe that measures the distensibility of the esophagogastric junction. Achalasia was previously treated using surgical myotomy, balloon dilation, and botulinum toxin injection. However, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has recently become the mainstay treatment. POEM has a higher clinical success rate and a lower complication rate than surgical myotomy. Esophageal cancer and pulmonary conditions such as aspiration pneumonia are possible complications of achalasia. In this review, the current knowledge regarding achalasia together with novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed.

A case of significant weight loss and severe malnutrition caused by achalasia

Achalasia is caused by chronic degeneration of ganglionic cells in the myenteric plexus that leads to failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This leads to aperistalsis of the digital esophagus and eventually led to dilation of the lower esophagus. We present the case of a 37-year-old man who initially presented with dysphagia for solid food and then slowly developed dysphagia for liquid over the past 6 months. He had significant weight loss, and his esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed esophagitis and gastritis. The imaging of computed tomography (CT) with oral contrast showed dilation of the distal esophagus and mild circumferential thickening at the gastroesophageal junction. After the failure of response to BoTox-infiltration in the LES, the patient was taken for Heller’s myotomy. He showed immediate improvement in dysphagia after surgical intervention. This case study includes findings from CT scan, X-ray, and EGD with biopsies in this patient. This paper also summarizes the therapeutic options of BoTox-injection and surgical myotomy

Transcatheter Myotomy to Relieve Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: The Septal Scoring Along the Midline Endocardium Procedure in Animals.

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction complicates hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Septal reduction therapies including surgical myectomy and alcohol septal ablation are limited by surgical morbidity or coronary anatomy and high pacemaker rates, respectively. We developed a novel transcatheter procedure, mimicking surgical myotomy, called Septal Scoring Along the Midline Endocardium (SESAME). SESAME was performed in 5 naive pigs and 5 pigs with percutaneous aortic banding-induced left ventricular hypertrophy. Fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography guided the procedures. Coronary guiding catheters and guidewires were used to mechanically enter the basal interventricular septum. Imparting a tip bend to the guidewire enabled intramyocardial navigation with multiple df. The guidewire trajectory determined the geometry of SESAME myotomy. The myocardium was lacerated using transcatheter electrosurgery. Cardiac function and tissue characteristics were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance at baseline, postprocedure, and at 7- or 30-day follow-up. SESAME myotomy along the intended trajectory was achieved in all animals. The myocardium splayed after laceration, increasing left ventricular outflow tract area (753 to 854 mm2, P=0.008). Two naive pigs developed ventricular septal defects due to excessively deep lacerations in thin baseline septa. No hypertrophy model pig, with increased septal thickness and left ventricular mass compared with naive pigs, developed ventricular septal defects. One animal developed left axis deviation on ECG but no higher conduction block was seen in any animal. Coronary artery branches were intact on angiography with no infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance late gadolinium imaging. Cardiac magnetic resonance chamber volumes, function, flow, and global strain were preserved. No myocardial edema was evident on cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping. This preclinical study demonstrated feasibility of SESAME, a novel transcatheter myotomy to relieve left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. This percutaneous procedure using available devices, with a safe surgical precedent, is readily translatable into patients.

Robotic redo Heller myotomy: how I do it?

Despite the high success rate associated with Heller myotomy in the treatment of primary achalasia, symptom persistence or relapse occurs in approximately 10-20% of patients. Unfortunately, the ideal treatment after failed myotomy is not well established yet. We present a didactical video with a stepwise technique to perform a robotic revisional procedure after failed Heller myotomy. In this report, each surgical step is thoroughly described and visually represented with useful technical tips that might help in improving surgical results of revisional Heller myotomy. In patients with previous surgical myotomy, the robotic platform with its high-definition magnified view and EndoWrist instruments allow for a safe and precise redo surgical myotomy. Despite its improved surgical capabilities, the role of robotic redo Heller myotomy in the treatment algorithm of patients with recurrent symptoms after failed surgical myotomy should be further explored.

Comparison of fully coated anti-reflux metal stenting and per-oral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia: a propensity score-matched retrospective study

BackgroundAchalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder disease. It is reported that the long-term effect of fully coated anti-reflux metal stent (FCARMS) implantation is satisfactory. Operated by a skilled and experienced endoscopist, the effect of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) treatment is equivalent to that of surgical myotomy. So far, there is still few evidence to prove FCARMS implantation or POEM which is better for achalasia. The choice of treatment for achalasia is still controversial. The aim of this study is to find a more suitable therapy for achalasia by comparing the efficacy of FCARMS implantation and POEM.MethodsA propensity score (PS) matching (1:2) was used in this retrospective cohort study. Data collected from consecutive patients of Achalasia, receiving FCARMS implantation or POEM therapy at the department of gastroenterology, the Seventh Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital from May 2007 to May 2018. According to their previous treatment, they are divided into two groups, FCARMS group and POEM group. Clinical efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsA total of 166 cases were collected, including 113 cases of FCARMS and 53 cases of POEM. By PS matching, 150 patients were enrolled (100 cases of FCARMS and 50 cases of POEM). By comparison, the FCARMS group has shorter operation time, shorter fasting time and lower hospitalization costs than the POEM group (p < 0.05). Common complications in the FCARMS group are nausea, vomiting, and stent shift. Repetitions of gastroscopy in the FCARMS group was more often, which were 3.8 ± 2.4 (vs 2.1 ± 1.8 of POEM) (p = 0.00 < 0.05) The 6-month remission rates of the FCARMS combination POEM group were 89% and 94%, respectively (p = 0.39), and the 2-year remission rates were 61% and 90%, respectively (p = 0.00).ConclusionsStent placement is a cost-effective and safe treatment option for achalasia. The short-term effect (less than 6 months) of FCARMS is similar to that of POEM, the long-term effect (more than 2 years), POEM is better than FCARMS. HRMIIis most suitable for POEM treatment. It indicate that Patients can choose treatment methods according to their own conditions.

177: A 5-YEAR SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE IN ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR ESOPHAGEAL ACHALASIA IN A TERTIARY CENTER, WITH PERI-OPERATIVE TAILORED PROTOCOLS

Abstract Background and aim Esophageal achalasia is a rare benign disease with heavy impact on daily life. Laparoscopic Heller-myotomy as the gold standard surgical treatment. In recent years the robot-assisted (DaVinci, Intuitive Surgical Inc., CA) technique became widely used for its reported advantages in terms of vision, precision and motion. The aim of the study was to evaluate the supposed advantages of robot-assisted Heller myotomy compared to the standard laparoscopic approach in a single center experience. Methods We included the patients who underwent standard laparoscopic and robot-assisted Heller-myotomy with Dor fundoplicatio in the last 5 years in the Upper-GI division of the University Hospital of Verona. We assessed if the robot-assisted Heller-Dor myotomy was simplified in terms of the ease of the myotomy, especially on the gastric side and the following fundoplicatio, on the sharpness of the endoscope and on the precision of the movements. We also compared the operative times with the two techniques, and the overall morbidity and mortality rates, also with the introduction of new peri-operative protocols for standardized and enhanced recovery. Results We included 40 patients who underwent Heller-Dor, robot-assisted Heller-Dor approach was performed in 17 patients and standard laparoscopic approach in 23 patients. Based on the surgeons experience and judgment, robot-assisted Heller-myotomy seems to be easier than the laparoscopic procedure in terms of sharpness of vision, freedom of motion and consequently precision in the single-fibers dissection of the muscularis. The operative times were comparable between the robot-assisted procedures and the laparoscopic approach, as were morbidity and mortality rates; in-hospital stay was also similar in the two groups, with a slight decrease in the last 6 months, after the introduction of new post-operative protocols for enhanced recovery with mandatory contrast swallow on POD1. Conclusion Our study suggests that robot-assisted Heller-myotomy for achalasia is a valid alternative to the traditional laparoscopic approach, for the improvement of surgical precision and myotomy outcome, with apparently no deterioration of safety and surgical complications, in particular with dedicate personnel and standardized recovery protocols. It also suggests that the learning curve is negligible if supported by an adequate number of patients per-year, as in a tertiary center.

Successful D-POEM after failed surgical myotomy and diverticulectomy.

Video 1Case series showing 2 patients with prior failed Heller myotomy and diverticulectomy, with subsequent success with POEM, diverticulotomy, and closure with endoscopic suturing. Case 1 also depicts closure of an esophagopleural fistula.

V-OG05 Robotic Hellers Myotomy

Abstract Background Achalasia is a rare condition affecting less than 1:100,000 patients. Treatment for this rare condition include balloon dilation, botox injection, endoscopic myotomy (POEMS) or surgical myotomy. Laparoscopic surgical myotomy is the “go to” approach for most surgeons; it is tried and tested, can be performed safely and quickly with a low complication rate, minimal pain and a short length of stay. Methods This video presents the technique adopted for robotic oesophageal myotomy in a patient with type II achalasia. A 4 arm technique was adopted with arm 4 on the patients left. The Davinci X system was used in this case. A Nathensen liver retractor was used to retract the liver; robotic instruments included the hook and cadiere forceps x2. Results The procedure was successfully performed; the operative time was 53 minutes, LOS was &amp;lt;24 hours. Check endoscopy revealed a wide open gastro-oesophageal junction and a long myotomy. The patient noted an improvement in symptoms with 24 hours and has had no significant reflux. Conclusion The enhanced magnified 3D view on the robotic platform allows better visualisation of the hiatal structures, vagal nerves and muscle fibres when performing the myotomy. Using the 4th arm to retract the lateral edge of the oesophageal muscle provides a very safe and stable platform to perform a long myotomy. I think the robotic system should be adopted as the standard approach for a hellers myotomy.

Gastroesophageal Reflux after Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: Myth or Reality?

AbstractPeroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an accepted treatment for achalasia cardia (AC), and results are comparable to those of laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). In recent years, several reports have confirmed higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following POEM. This review evaluates the current evidence regarding post-POEM GER, critically examines the potential contributing factors responsible for GER, limitations of the current available functional testing, and precautions and preventive measures, and provides future directions for research. Factors conclusively contributing to increased post-POEM GER include injury to the sling fibers of the lower esophageal sphincter, length of gastric myotomy &gt; 2 cm, and others. Historically, these same factors have been implicated for development of GER after surgical (laparoscopic) myotomy. Although less invasive, optimal technique of POEM may be important to control post-POEM GER. Most post-POEM GER occurs during the immediate post-POEM period, is mild, and is easily treatable using proton-pump inhibitors. GER incidence plateaus at 2 years and is comparable to that after LHM. Patients should therefore be prescribed proton-pump inhibitors for at least 2 years. Antireflux procedures (ARPs) are infrequently required in these patients as the incidence of refractory GER is low. Novel ARPs have been recently described and are currently under evaluation. Conclusive diagnosis of GER is a clinical challenge. Most patients are asymptomatic, and GER is diagnosed only on abnormal esophageal acid exposure (EAE). Studies have demonstrated that current measures to diagnose GER are inadequate, inaccurate, and cannot differentiate between true GER and abnormal EAE due to food fermentation in the distal esophagus. The Lyon Consensus criteria should be implemented for confirmation of diagnosis of GER. Finally, the review recommends an evidence-based clinical algorithm for evaluation and management of post-POEM GER and provides guidelines for future research in this field.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for management of cricopharyngeal bars (CP-POEM): a retrospective evaluation.

Cricopharyngeal bars (CPBs) are a unique etiology of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Symptomatic patients are managed with endoscopic dilation or surgical myotomy. Cricopharyngeal peroral endoscopic myotomy (CP-POEM) is an emerging technique for the management of dysphagia due to CPBs. This study evaluated technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and long-term recurrence following CP-POEM. Consecutive patients who underwent POEM for management of CPBs between May 2015 and December 2020 at four tertiary care centers were included. Primary outcome was clinical success (defined as improvement of dysphagia score to ≤ 1). Secondary outcomes were technical success, rate and severity of adverse events, procedure duration, and symptom recurrence. 27 patients (mean age 69 years; 10 female) underwent CP-POEM during the study period. The most common presenting symptoms at the time of index procedure were dysphagia (26; 96.3 %) and regurgitation (20; 74.1 %). Clinical and technical success were achieved in all patients. Mild/moderate adverse events occurred in two patients (7.4 %). CP-POEM significantly reduced the median dysphagia score. CP-POEM was a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic CPBs. Although symptom recurrence was low, long-term outcome data are needed. CP-POEM should be considered as a management option for symptomatic CPBs at centers with POEM expertise.

Third-Space Endoscopy: Recent Updates

AbstractThird space or submucosal space is a potential space which on expansion allows the endoscopist to execute a multitude of therapeutic procedures for various gastrointestinal diseases like achalasia, subepithelial tumors, Zenker’s diverticulum, and refractory gastroparesis. Third space was first utilized for performing endoscopic myotomy in cases with achalasia cardia about a decade ago. Since then, the field of submucosal endoscopy has witnessed an exponential growth. The present review focuses on recent advances in the field of third-space endoscopy. With regard to per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in achalasia cardia, several recent studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of POEM, compared endoscopic myotomy with pneumatic dilatation (PD) and surgical myotomy, and evaluated the outcomes of short- versus long-esophageal myotomy. In addition, the utility of multiple dose antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infections after POEM has been questioned. Overall, the results from these studies indicate that POEM is a durable treatment modality, equally effective to Heller’s myotomy and superior to PD. With regard to gastric-POEM (G-POEM), recent studies suggest only modest efficacy in cases with refractory gastroparesis. Therefore, quality studies are required to identify predictors of response to optimize the outcomes of G-POEM in these cases. Another third-space endoscopy procedure that has gained popularity is endoscopic division of septum in cases with esophageal diverticula including Zenker’s POEM and epiphrenic diverticula POEM (Z-POEM and D-POEM, respectively). The technique of diverticulotomy using the principles of submucosal endoscopy appears safe and effective in short term. Data on term outcomes are awaited and comparative trials with flexible endoscopic myotomy required. Per-rectal endoscopic myotomy (PREM) is the most recent addition to third space endoscopy procedures for the management of short-segment Hirschsprung’s disease. Limited data suggest that PREM may be a promising alternative surgery in these cases. However, quality studies with long-term follow-up are required to validate the outcomes of PREM.

Spastic Motility Disorders: Diagnosis and Management in the Era of the Chicago Classification

Spastic esophageal motility disorders are represented, as per the Chicago classification 4.0, by diffuse esophageal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus. They are very rare and therefore poorly understood. The diagnosis is usually made by manometry in presence of dysphagia or chest pain, but often it is often an unexpected finding. In this paper, the authors review the current knowledge and possible treatments of these disorders, when needed. They underline that invasive treatments, as surgical myotomy or POEM, are rarely necessary and that the indications for them are based on low quality studies. Therefore, they should be used with extreme caution in treating spastic motility disorders other than achalasia.

Myotomy in sigmoid megaesophagus: is it applicable? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Achalasia may evolve to sigmoid megaesophagus in 10-15% of patients and is usually treated with esophagectomy, which has high morbi-mortality. Many surgeons debate the applicability of the Heller myotomy for treating sigmoid megaesophagus. This study intents to analyze the effectiveness of myotomy for treating patients with sigmoid megaesophagus. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Lilacs and Embase alongside manual search of references. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials, cohort, case-series; patients with sigmoid megaesophagus and esophageal diameter ≥ 6cm; and patients undergoing primary myotomy. The exclusion criteria were reviews, case reports, cross-sectional studies, editorials, letters, congress abstracts, full-text unavailability; previous surgical treatment for achalasia; and pediatric or animal model studies. No restrictions on language and date of publication, and no filters were applied. Subgroups analyses were performed to assess the laparoscopic myotomy perioperative outcomes. Besides, subgroup analyses were performed to assess the long-term outcomes of the studies with a follow-up time > 24months. To verify heterogeneity, the I2 test was used. The random effects were applied, and the fixed model was evaluated as sensitivity analysis. To assess risk of bias and certainty of evidence, the tools ROBINS-I and GRADE were used, respectively. Registration number: CRD42020199667. Sixteen articles were selected, encompassing 350 patients. The mean age ranged from 36 to 61years old, and the mean follow-up ranged from 16 to 109months. Complications rate was 0.08 (CI: 0.040-0.153; P = 0.01). Need for retreatment rate was 0.128 (CI: 0.031-0.409; P = 0.01). The probability of good or excellent outcomes after myotomy was 0.762 (CI: 0.703-0.812; P < 0.01). Postoperative mortality rate was 0.008 (CI: 0.004-0.015; P < 0.01). Surgical myotomy is an option for avoiding esophagectomy in achalasia, with a low morbi-mortality rate and good results. It is effective for most patients and only a minority will demand retreatment.

Prospective evaluation of the efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic alternative to surgical myotomy in patients with achalasia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of POEM.A total of 20 patients with achalasia who underwent POEM between October 2016 and November 2017 were prospectively recruited. The intraoperative esophagogastric junction distensibility index (mm2/mm Hg) was measured pre- and post-myotomy using an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe. Clinical response was defined as Eckardt score ≤3. Health-related quality of life was measured by the 36-item short-form health survey score.POEM was successfully completed in all cases. The median procedure time was 68.5 minutes (range 50.0–120.0), and the median myotomy length was 13 cm (range 11–18). Major adverse events were encountered in 2 cases. Overall, clinical responses were observed in all patients during a median follow-up of 11.9 months (range 1.2–26.2). Postoperative esophagogastric junction distensibility index was significantly higher than baseline (from 1.3 [range 0.8–6.9] to 6.3 [range 25–19.2], P < .001). The median Eckardt scores were decreased after POEM (5 [range 2–11] to 1 [range 0–3], P < .001), and the 36-item short-form health survey score was also improved significantly after POEM (67.5 [range 34.5–93.9] to 85.7 [range 53.4–93.3], P = .004).POEM is an effective treatment for achalasia, based on the improvement of both symptoms and objective measures.Clinicaltrial.gov NCT 02989883

Multifactorial dysphagia: Azygos vein aneurysm (AVA) and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO).

IntroductionVascular impingement of the esophagus is a rare cause of dysphagia, and is most commonly due to aortic arch anomalies such as arterial lusoria. Dysphagia resultant from venous compression is even further less likely.Presentation of caseWe present a highly unusual case of dysphagia secondary to a large aneurysm of the azygous vein near its confluence with the superior vena cava, which was managed with endovascular modalities. Despite initial treatment success, patient reported some intermittent solid food dysphagia, and was also found to have esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) on high resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) which was successfully managed with surgical myotomy and partial fundoplication.DiscussionThe azygos vein has an intimate anatomic relationship with the esophagus as it traverses the posterior mediastinum. Because of this anatomic association, the azygos vein may present a point of esophageal obstruction in the setting of significant pathology.ConclusionThis case highlights the possibility of multifactorial causes of dysphagia, and that HRIM is a key aspect of this workup. Additionally we discuss the pertinent anatomy, diagnosis, and treatments for azygos vein aneurysm and EGJOO.

ID: 3524257 TANDEM PER ORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY AND TRANSORAL INCISIONLESS FUNDOPLICATION: A STRATEGY TO REDUCE REFLUX AFTER PER ORAL ENDOSCOPIC MYOTOMY

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective treatment for achalasia with outcomes comparable to surgical Heller myotomy. However, POEM has been shown to have higher post-procedural rates of abnormal acid exposure and esophagitis compared to Heller myotomy.