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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Use of the Scissor-Type Knife During the Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy Procedure for the Treatment of Achalasia
Published on: March 3, 2023
Experience with Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia and Spastic Esophageal Motility Disorders at a Tertiary U.S.
Maen Masadeh1, Peter Nau2, Subhash Chandra1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Background/Aims:
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel procedure for the treatment of achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders. Experience with POEM is limited, but its reported outcomes are excellent. It is deemed safe even for patients with prior interventions.
Methods:
This retrospective review included patients who underwent POEM at a tertiary US center. POEM was performed in a multidisciplinary approach by advanced endoscopists and foregut surgeons. Clinical success was defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤3.
Results:
A total of 125 patients were included. Median follow-up period was 18 months (interquartile range, 10-22 months). Clinical success was achieved in 92% of patients and persisted at 12 months in 88% of patients. Mucosal barrier failure (MBF) occurred in 7 patients, 2 of whom required surgical intervention. MBF was more common in patients with prior laparoscopic Heller myotomy (19% vs. 3%, p=0.015). MBF requiring surgical intervention occurred early in the learning curve.
Conclusion:
POEM is safe and effective in the treatment of achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders even after failed prior interventions.
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