Q- What is POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)?
POEM stands for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy, it is a clinical endoscopic procedure conducted in the hospital's endoscopy unit. Our physicians conduct the procedure with high-definition upper endoscopes. Endoscopes are small flexible tubes that can be inserted into the mouth or the rectum. These endoscopes allow doctors to see and inspect the food pipe), stomach, intestine, and colon without having to make a large incision elsewhere on the body.
POEM takes about two to three hours, and you can expect to stay in the hospital for two days.
Q- When is the POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) procedure done?
POEM is a relatively new treatment for swallowing disorders, especially Achalasia.
Achalasia happens when the muscles of the food pipe and the lower food pipe sphincter do not relax, making it difficult to swallow and for food to move through the stomach. Heartburn, weight loss, and generally low quality of life are potential symptoms in addition to swallowing difficulties.
Click here to learn about Achalasia and POEM.
Please watch the below video on "POEM Procedure for Achalasia".
Other disorders treated by POEM are
- Spastic esophageal disorders not responding to medical therapies - Jackhammer esophagus, DES, spastic achalasia, and nutcracker esophagus.
Spastic esophageal disorders (SEDs) are marked by hyperactive, irregular, and premature food pipe contractions causing difficulty in swallowing food.
Please watch the below video to understand better about (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)
Reference- Day, J. A. (n.d.). Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) | Johns Hopkins Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gastroenterology_hepatology/clinical_services/advanced_endoscopy/peroral_endoscopic_myotomy.html
POEM: Treatment Procedure For Achalasia. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/digestive/depts/poem#overview-tab