Peroral endoscopic myotomy

Peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) incorporates concepts of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery and achieves endoscopic myotomy by utilizing a submucosal tunnel as an operating space. Although intended for the palliation of symptoms of achalasia, there is mounting data to suggest it is also efficacious in the management of spastic esophageal disorders. The technique requires an understanding of the pathophysiology of esophageal motility disorders as well as knowledge of surgical anatomy of the foregut. POEM achieves short term response in 82% to 100% of patients with minimal risk of adverse events. In addition, it appears to be effective and safe even at the extremes of age and regardless of prior therapy undertaken. Although infrequent, the ability of the endoscopist to manage an intraprocedural adverse event is critical as failure to do so could result in significant morbidity. The major late adverse event is gastroesophageal reflux which appears to occur in 20% to 46% of patients. Research is being conducted to clarify the optimal technique for POEM and a personalized approach by measuring intraprocedural esophagogastric junction distensibility appears promising. In addition to esophageal disorders, POEM is being studied in the management of gastroparesis(gastric pyloromyotomy) with initial reports demonstrating technical feasibility. Although POEM represents a paradigm shift the management of esophageal motility disorders, the results of prospective randomized controlled trials with long-term follow up are eagerly awaited.     

Peroral endoscopic myotomy outcomes: Efficacy and gastroesophageal reflux disease

Achalasia is a well-defined neuromuscular disorder of esophageal swallowing function characterized by a nonrelaxing lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and aperistalsis of the esophageal body. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a flexible endoscopic approach to perform a selective circular myotomy of the distal esophagus and proximal stomach. More than a thousand cases have been performed worldwide. Most early reports on POEM focus on its feasibility and safety. Emerging long-term series have reported excellent subjective and objective outcomes of dysphagia relief for achalasia. With increasing experience, centers are expanding indications to end-stage achalasia and nonachalasia neuromuscular disorders such as diffuse esophageal spasm and nonrelaxing LES with hypertensive esophageal body contractions. The postoperative gastroesophageal reflux post-POEM is an issue that requires close objective follow-up, as the correlation of subjective reflux symptoms and objective testing in this setting is poor. Few series have indeed reported on equivalent excellent outcomes post-POEM as compared with a laparoscopic myotomy. This early experience with POEM has demonstrated the validity of this new technique in the management of benign disorders of esophageal swallowing. Refinements in technique and decreases in gastroesophageal reflux disease may make this procedure even more desirable, and potentially the first-line therapy in the management of spastic disorders of the esophagus.     

Peroral endoscopic myotomy: An emerging minimally invasive procedure for achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. Due to the improvements in endoscopic technology and techniques, this procedure allows for submucosal tunneling to safely endoscopically create a myotomy across the hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter. In the hands of skilled operators and experienced centers, the most common complications of this procedure are related to insufflation and accumulation of gas in the chest and abdominal cavities with relatively low risks of devastating complications such as perforation or delayed bleeding. Several centers worldwide have demonstrated the feasibility of this procedure in not only early achalasia but also other indications such as redo myotomy, sigmoid esophagus and spastic esophagus. Short-term outcomes have showed great clinical efficacy comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Concerns related to postoperative gastroesophageal reflux remain, however several groups have demonstrated comparable clinical and objective measures of reflux to LHM. Although long-term outcomes are necessary to better understand durability of the procedure, POEM appears to be a promising new procedure.     

Peroral endoscopic myotomy periprocedural evaluation: Predicting and measuring outcomes

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel endoscopic operation for achalasia that creates a controlled myotomy across the esophagogastric junction, while offering the potential of reduced pain and convalescence when compared with laparoscopic Heller myotomy. However, the long-term efficacy of the procedure is yet to be determined. This article describes the symptom measures and tests of esophagogastric junction physiology that can be used to evaluate patients before, during, and after the POEM procedure. The Eckardt score and other quantitative symptom measures are discussed, as are physiological and diagnostic tests including high-resolution manometry, timed barium esophagram, upper endoscopy, functional lumen imaging probe, and pH monitoring. In combination, these metrics are essential in establishing the diagnosis of achalasia, choosing a treatment modality and predicting its efficacy, and evaluating outcomes after surgery. Additionally, the results of these quantitative evaluations serve as important research data to evaluate the long-term efficacy of POEM and compare it with the current standards of care, laparoscopic Heller myotomy and endoscopic pneumatic dilation.     

Full-thickness myotomy is associated with higher rate of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM To compare long-term occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) between two different types of peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) for achalasia.METHODS We included all patients with achalasia who underwent POEM at our hospital from August 2011 to October 2012 and had complete GERD evaluation with ≥ 3 years of follow-up. They were divided into circular or full-thickness myotomy groups according to the depth of myotomy. Demographics, Eckardt score, manometry results, 24-h pH monitoring, and GERD symptoms were recorded and compared between the two groups.RESULTS We studied 56 patients(32 circular myotomy and 24 fullthickness myotomy) with complete GERD evaluation. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of treatment success(defined as Eckardt score ≤ 3), postoperative Eckardt score, mean basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and 4-s integrated relaxation pressure(4s IRP). Postoperative abnormal esophageal acid exposure was found in 25 patients(44.6%). A total of 13 patients(23.2%) had GERD symptoms and 12 had esophagitis(21.4%). Clinically relevant GERD(abnormal esophageal acid exposure associated with GERD symptoms and/or esophagitis) was diagnosed in 13 patients(23.2%).Multivariate analysis revealed that full-thickness myotomy and low level of postoperative 4s IRP were predictive factors for clinically relevant GERD.CONCLUSION Efficacy and manometry are comparable between achalasia patients treated with circular or full-thickness myotomy. But patients with full-thickness myotomy and low postoperative 4sI RP have more GERD.     

Submucosal tunnel endoscopy: Peroral endoscopic myotomy and peroral endoscopic tumor resection

Peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) is an innovative,minimally invasive, endoscopic treatment for esophageal achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders, emerged from the natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery procedures, and since the first human case performed by Inoue in 2008, showed exciting results in international level, with more than 4000 cases globally up to now. POEM showed superior characteristics than the standard 100-year-old surgical or laparoscopic Heller myotomy(LHM), not only for all types of esophageal achalasia [classical(Ⅰ), vigorous(Ⅱ), spastic(Ⅲ), Chicago Classification], but also for advanced sigmoid type achalasia(S1 and S2), failed LHM, or other esophageal motility disorders(diffuse esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus or Jackhammer esophagus). POEM starts with a mucosal incision, followed by submucosal tunnel creation crossing the esophagogastric junction(EGJ) and myotomy. Finally the mucosal entry is closed with endoscopic clip placement. POEM permitted relatively free choice of myotomy length and localization. Although it is technically demanding procedure, POEM can be performed safely and achieves very good control of dysphagia and chest pain. Gastroesophageal reflux is the most common troublesome side effect, and is well controllable with proton pump inhibitors. Furthermore, POEM opened the era of submucosal tunnel endoscopy, with many other applications. Based on the same principles with POEM, in combination with new technological developments, such as endoscopic suturing, peroral endoscopic tumor resection(POET), is safely and effectively applied for challenging submucosal esophageal, EGJ and gastric cardia tumors(submucosal tumors), emerged from muscularis propria. POET showed up to know promising results, however, it is restricted to specialized centers. The present article reviews the recent data of POEM and POET and discussed controversial issues that need further study and future perspectives.     

Effect of peroral esophageal myotomy for achalasia treatment: A Chinese study

AIM: To assess the safety and feasibility of peroral esophageal myotomy(POEM) in patients with achalasia.METHODS: From January 2012 to March 2014, 50 patients(28 men, 22 women; mean age: 42.8 years, range: 14-70 years) underwent POEM. Pre- and postoperative symptoms were quantified using the Eckardt scoring system. Barium swallow and esophagogastroscopy were performed before and after POEM, respectively. Esophageal motility was evaluated in all patients, both preoperatively and one month after POEM treatment, using a high-resolution manometry system. Manometry data, Eckardt scores, lower esophageal sphincter pressure and barium swallow results were used to evaluate the effect of the procedure.RESULTS: POEM was successfully completed for all patients. The mean procedure time was 55.4 ± 17.3 min and the mean total length of myotomy of the circular esophagus was 10.5 ± 2.6 cm. No specific complications occurred, with the exception of two patients that developed as ymptomatic pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Clinical improvement in symptoms was achieved in all patients. Approximately 77.5% of patients experienced weight gain 6 mo after POEM, with an average of 4.78 kg(range: 2-15 kg). The lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure, four second integrated relaxation pressure and Eckardt scores were all significantly reduced after POEM(Ps 0.05). A small segment of proximal esophageal peristalsis appeared postoperatively in two patients, but without normal esophageal peristalsis. The average diameter of the esophageal lumen decreased significantly from 4.39 to 3.09 cm(P 0.01). CONCLUSION: POEM can relieve achalasia symptoms, improve gastroesophageal junction relaxation and restore esophageal body motility function, but not normal esophageal peristalsis.     

横开口法内镜下食管肌层切开术治疗贲门失驰缓症的术后处理

目的探讨隧道横开口法内镜下食管肌层切开术治疗贲门失驰缓术后的合理处理方法。方法分析53例贲门失驰缓症患者术前、术中、术后护理。结果术后正确的饮食指导及并发症的观察是治疗的关键。53例患者治疗成功率100%,无1例发生纵膈气肿、气胸、食管纵膈瘘。结论隧道横开口法内镜下食管肌层切开术治疗贲门失驰缓症方法安全有效,术后正确的饮食指导、并发症的观察是治疗成功的关键。     

Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs other achalasia treatments in improving esophageal function

AIM: To assess and compare the esophageal function after peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) vs other conventional treatments in achalasia.METHODS: Chart review of all achalasia patients who underwent POEM, laparoscopic Heller myotomy(LHM) or pneumatic dilation(PD) at our institution between January 2012 and March 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, type of achalasia, prior treatments, pre- and post-treatment timed barium swallow(TBE) and high-resolution esophageal manometry(HREM) findings were compared between the three treatment groups. Patients who had both pre- and 2 mo posttreatment TBE or HREM were included in the final analysis. TBE parameters compared were barium column height, width and volume of barium remaining at 1 and 5 min. HREM parameters compared were basal lower esophageal sphincter(LES) pressures and LES-integrated relaxation pressures(IRP). Data are presented as mean ± SD, median [25th, 75 th percentiles] or frequency(percent). Analysis of variance, KruskalWallis test, Pearsons χ~2 test and Fishers Exact tests were used for analysis.RESULTS: A total of 200 achalasia patients were included of which 36 underwent POEM, 22 underwent PD and 142 underwent LHM. POEM patients were older(55.4 ± 16.8 years vs 46.5 ± 15.7 years, P = 0.013) and had higher BMI than LHM(29.1 ± 5.9 kg/m~2 vs 26 ± 5.1 kg/m~2, P = 0.012). More number of patients in POEM and PD groups had undergone prior treatments compared to LHM group(72.2% vs 68.2% vs 44.3% respectively, P = 0.003). At 2 mo post-treatment, all TBE parameters including barium column height, width and volume remaining at 1 and 5 min improved significantly in all three treatment groups(P = 0.01 to P 0.001) except the column height at 1 min in PD group(P = 0.11). At 2 mo post-treatment, there was significant improvement in basal LES pressure and LES-IRP in both LHM(40.5 mm Hg vs 14.5 mm Hg and 24 mm Hg vs 7.1 mm Hg respectively, P 0.001) and POEM groups(38.7 mm Hg vs 11.4 mm Hg and 23.6 mm Hg vs 6.6 mm Hg respectively, P 0.001). However, when the efficacy of three treatments were compared to each other in terms of improvement in TBE or HREM parameters at 2 mo, there was no significant difference(P 0.05).CONCLUSION: POEM, PD and LHM were all effective in improving esophageal function in achalasia at shortterm. There was no difference in efficacy between the three treatments.     

Anesthetic management and associated complications of peroral endoscopic myotomy:A case series

AIM To investigate the anesthetic management of peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) and its associated complications.METHODS This study was a single-center,retrospective,observational study comprising a case series of all patients who underwent POEM in our hospital from April 2015 to November 2016.We collected data regarding patient characteristics,anesthetic methods,surgical factors,and complications using an electronic chart.RESULTS There were 86 patients who underwent POEM in our hospital during the study period.Preoperatively,patients were maintained on a low residue diet for 48 h prior to the procedure.They were fasted of solids for 24 h before surgery.There was one case of aspiration(1.2%).During POEM,patients were positioned supine with the upper abdomen covered by a clear drape so that pneumoperitoneum could be timeously identified.In three cases,the peak airway pressure exceeded 35 cm H2 O during volume controlled ventilation with tidal volumes of 6-8 m L/kg and subsequent impairment of ventilation.These cases had been diagnosed with spastic esophageal disorders(SEDs) and the length of the muscular incision on the esophageal side was longer than normal.CONCLUSION In the anesthetic management of POEM,it is important to prevent aspiration during induction of anesthesia and to identify and treat complications associated with CO_2 insufflation.     

First splenic rupture following an endoscopic esophageal myotomy: A case report

BACKGROUND The occurrence of splenic rupture is extremely rare during an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Although infrequent, splenic rupture is a known complication secondary to colonoscopy. However, occurrence of splenic rupture after peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM) has never been reported to date.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of a splenic rupture following a POEM for recurrent achalasia in a patient who previously had a Heller myotomy. Splenic rupture remains very uncommon after an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopic procedure. The most plausible cause for this rare splenic injury appears to be the stretching of the gastro-splenic ligament during the endoscopy. A previous surgery may be a risk factor contributing to this complication.CONCLUSION The possibility for the occurrence of specific complications, such as splenic rupture, does exist even with the development of advanced endoscopic procedures, as presented in the present case after POEM.     

Effect and safety of mark-guided vs standard peroral endoscopic myotomy: A retrospective case control study

BACKGROUND Peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)is a promising therapeutic modality for esophageal achalasia worldwide.However,clinical failure and adverse events of POEM have still been concerned.AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of a novel mark-guided POEM with standard POEM.METHODS A total of 133 patients with esophageal achalasia who underwent POEM from May 2013 to May 2019 were enrolled in this retrospective study.Of the 133 patients,there were 64 patients in the mark-guided POEM group and 69 patients in the standard POEM group.The clinical success,procedural duration and adverse events were compared between the two groups at 3 mo,12 mo and 24 mo postoperatively.RESULTS Characteristic baseline was similar in the mark-guided POEM group and standard POEM group.The clinical success was comparable between the two groups,ranging from 92%to 98%,at 3 mo,12 mo and 24 mo postoperatively(all P>0.5).Eckart score,Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire score and SF-36 score were not different between the two groups after treatment(all P>0.05).No severe adverse events occurred in the two groups.However,markguided POEM required shorter procedural duration,and less use of proton pump inhibitors and lower incidence of reflux symptoms than the standard POEM(all P<0.001).CONCLUSION Mark-guided POEM and standard POEM were both effective and safe for the treatment of esophageal achalasia.However,the mark-guided POEM was characterized by shorter procedural duration,less use of proton pump inhibitors and lower incidence of reflux symptoms.     

经口内镜肌切开术对贲门失弛缓症患者食管动力的影响

目的探讨经口内镜肌切开术（POEM）对贲门失弛缓症患者食管动力的影响。方法对3例贲门失弛缓症患者POEM治疗前后的食管测压结果进行对比分析。结果术后3例患者食管下括约肌压力（LESP）和食管上括约肌残余压（UESRP）均低于术前,且差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;术后食管下括约肌残余压（LESRP）有2例明显降低至正常值,有1例变化不大,仍高于正常,平均值较术前降低但差异无统计学意义;术前3例患者均有食管蠕动波消失,术后食管蠕动波均无改善;3例患者术前食管下括约肌松弛率（LESRR）均低于正常值,术后仍均低于正常;食管上括约肌压（UESP）平均值术后较术前降低,但差异无统计学意义。结论POEM近期能明显改善贲门失弛缓症患者的食管动力学特征。     

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for oesophageal achalasia: Preliminary results in humans

Background

Peroral endoscopic myotomy has been developed to provide a less invasive treatment for oesophageal achalasia compared to surgical cardiomyotomy.

Aims

To report our initial experience on feasibility, safety and clinical efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Methods

Eleven patients (eight women, mean age 32, range 24–58) underwent an attempt at peroral endoscopic myotomy under general anaesthesia. After submucosal injection, a mucosal entry into the oesophageal submucosa, and a tunnel extending to the oesophagogastric junction and beyond into the stomach were created (total mean length: 15 ± 1.7 cm). Myotomy of the circular oesophageal and gastric muscle bundles was then achieved under direct vision (total mean length: 10.2 ± 2.8 cm). Haemostatic clips were used to close the mucosal entry. The Eckardt Score and manometry were used to evaluate the results.

Results

Peroral endoscopic myotomy could be completed in 10 out of 11 patients (91%). Mean procedure time was 100.7 min (range 75–140 min). No major complication occurred. Clinical success was achieved in all patients at 1-month follow-up (Eckardt Score 7.1 vs. 1.1, p = 0). Lower oesophageal sphincter pressure decreased from 45.1 to 16.9 mmHg (p = 0).

Conclusions

This initial experience with peroral endoscopic myotomy shows its safety and efficacy in the treatment of achalasia. Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and to compare peroral endoscopic myotomy with other treatment modalities.     

经口内镜下食管环形肌切开术治疗贲门失弛缓症的手术配合体会

目的总结26例经口内镜下食管环形肌切开术（POEM）治疗贲门失弛缓症的手术配合体会。 方法手术室护士做好充分的术前准备、耐心的心理疏导、默契的术中配合是保证手术成功的关键点。 结果本组26例贲门失弛缓症患者POEM 手术均顺利完成，其中4例患者出现并发症经过对症治疗后都痊愈出院，术后随访9~24个月，所有患者治疗后进食困难明显好转，无严重并发症发生。 结论POEM手术不仅具有手术时间短、创伤小、恢复快、并发症少等微创优势，而且经由人体自然腔道进行手术，充分体现了“无疤痕外科”的优越性，为贲门失弛缓症的手术治疗提供了一种新的选择；本组26例患者在医护团队共同协作下均安全平稳地度过了手术期。     

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy: Major advance in achalasia treatment and in endoscopic surgery

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) represents a natural orifice endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approach to laparoscopy Heller myotomy (LHM). POEM is arguably the most successful clinical application of NOTES. The growth of POEM from a single center in 2008 to approximately 60 centers worldwide in 2014 with several thousand procedures having been performed attests to the success of POEM. Initial efficacy, safety and acid reflux data suggest at least equivalence of POEM to LHM, the previous gold standard for achalasia therapy. Adjunctive techniques used in the West include impedance planimetry for real-time intraprocedural luminal assessment and endoscopic suturing for challenging mucosal defect closures during POEM. The impact of POEM extends beyond the realm of esophageal motility disorders as it is rapidly popularizing endoscopic submucosal dissection in the West and spawning offshoots that use the submucosal tunnel technique for a host of new indications ranging from resection of tumors to pyloromyotomy for gastroparesis.     

Per rectal endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of adult Hirschsprung's disease: First human case (with video)

Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of intrinsic ganglion cells in submucosal and myenteric plexuses of the hindgut; and presents with constipation, intestinal obstruction and/or megacolon. HD commonly involves the rectosigmoid region (short segment HD), although shorter and longer variants of the disease are described. Standard treatment involves pull‐through surgery for short segment HD or posterior anorectal myotomy in selected ultrashort segment candidates. Third space endoscopy has evolved during the past few years. Per oral endoscopic myotomy and per oral pyloromyotomy are described for treatment of achalasia cardia and refractory gastroparesis, respectively. Using the same philosophy of muscle/sphincter disruption for spastic bowel segments, per rectal endoscopic myotomy could be considered as a treatment option for short segment HD. A 24‐year‐old male patient presented with refractory constipation since childhood, and habituated to high‐dose laxative combinations. Diagnosis was confirmed as adult short segment HD by barium enema, colonoscopic deep suction mucosal biopsies and anorectal manometry. Histopathology confirmed aganglionosis in the distal 15 cm. By implementing principles of third space endoscopy, per rectal endoscopic myotomy 20 cm in length was successfully carried out. At 24‐week follow up, the patient reported significant relief of constipation and associated symptoms. Sigmoidoscopy, anorectal manometry and barium enema confirm improved rectal distensibility and reduced rectal pressures. The present case report describes the first human experience of per rectal endoscopic myotomy for successful treatment of adult short segment HD.     

Safety and efficacy of the modified peroral endoscopic myotomy with shorter myotomy for achalasia patients: a prospective study

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed as a minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for achalasia for years. However, the optimal length of submucosal tunnel and myotomy of muscle bundles during procedure of POEM has not yet been determined, so we aim to assess safety and efficacy of modified POEM with shorter myotomy of muscle bundles in achalasia patients. Consecutive achalasia patients had been performed modified POEM with shorter myotomy, and assessed by symptoms, high‐resolution manometry, and barium swallow examinations before and 3 months after POEM for safety and efficacy evaluation. Modified POEM with shorter submucosal tunnel (mean length 6.8 cm) and endoscopic myotomy of muscle bundles (total mean length 5.4 cm) were completed in 46 consecutive achalasia patients. During the 3‐month follow up in all cases, significant improvement of symptoms (a significant drop in the Eckardt score 8.4 ± 3.2 vs. 2.7 ± 1.9; P < 0.001), decreased lower esophageal sphincter pressure (39.4 ± 10.1 vs. 24.4 ± 9.1 mmHg; P < 0.001) and integrated relaxation pressure (38.6 ± 10.4 vs. 25.7 ± 9.6 mmHg; P < 0.01), and a drop in height of esophagus barium‐contrast column (5.4 ± 3.1 vs. 2.6 ± 1.8 cm; P < 0.001) were observed. The frequencies of adverse events were lower in those under endotracheal anesthesia and CO₂ insufflations compared with intravenous anesthesia and air insufflations. Only three patients were found to have gastroesophageal reflux disease on follow up. Modified POEM with shorter myotomy under endotracheal anesthesia and CO₂ insufflations shows its good safety and excellent short‐term efficacy in the treatment of achalasia. But further studies are warranted to assess the long‐term efficacy.