POEM will provide relief from the problem of swallowing food

Difficulty swallowing food is a common problem, but sometimes it can also be a sign of a serious disease. If you are having this problem continuously, then it can be a symptom of a disease called achalasia. In achalasia, a muscle called lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not work properly, which causes difficulty in transporting food to the stomach.

Dr Kapil Sharma, Director, Gastrocure, Liver, GI & Endoscopy Clinic, Delhi, said that if you are suffering from achalasia and other treatments like pneumatic dilation, botulinum toxin injections or medicines are not proving effective for you, then Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) may be a hope for you.

What does POEM mean?

POEM is a new and low-risk endoscopic procedure used mainly to treat achalasia. In this procedure, a flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted into the esophagus through the mouth and then the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is cut and weakened. This helps the food reach the stomach easily.

For which patients is POEM beneficial?

* Patients who have achalasia and other treatments are not working.

* POEM is effective for all types of achalasia, but it is especially beneficial in type III achalasia, where surgery does not work.

*Patients with other esophageal motility disorders may also be candidates for POEM.

*Patients who are having problems such as severe difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), vomiting and chest pain may be suitable candidates for POEM.

*Patients with achalasia cardia with esophageal diverticula or prior esophageal surgery may also be considered for POEM.

What to do before treatment?

It is important that patients understand the POEM procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and give informed consent. This includes understanding potential complications such as perforation, infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If you or someone you know is having trouble swallowing food and has been diagnosed with esophageal motility disorder, it is advisable to consult a senior gastroenterologist specializing in third-space endoscopy. They will advise you if POEM is an appropriate treatment option for you.