Per-oral endoscopic myotomy is safe and effective for pediatric patients with achalasia: A long-term follow-up study

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is emerging as a prefer treatment option for pediatric achalasia. However, data are limited on the long-term efficacy of POEM in children and adolescents with achalasia.

To evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of POEM for pediatric patients with achalasia and compare those outcomes with adult patients.

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with achalasia who underwent POEM. Patients aged under 18 years were included in the pediatric group; patients aged between 18 to 65 years who underwent POEM in the same period were assigned to the control group. For investigation of long-term follow-up, the pediatric group were matched with patients from the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The procedure-related parameters, adverse events, clinical success, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after POEM, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated.

From January 2012 to March 2020, POEM was performed in 1025 patients aged under 65 years old (48 in the pediatric group, 1025 in the control group). No significant differences were observed in the occurrence of POEM complications between the two groups (14.6% vs 14.6%; P = 0.99). Among the 34 pediatric patients (70.8%) who underwent follow-up for 5.7 years (range 2.6-10.6 years), clinical success was achieved in 35 patients (35/36; 97.2%). No differences were observed in post-POEM GERD occurrence (17.6% vs 35.3%; P = 0.10). QoL was significantly improved in both groups after POEM.

POEM is safe and effective for pediatric patients with achalasia. It can achieve significant symptoms relief and improve QoL.