Per-oral endoscopic myotomy, 1000 cases later: pearls, pitfalls, and practical considerations

Abstract

Background and aims: Eight years have passed since the introduction of the per-oral endoscopy myotomy (POEM) procedure. POEM was initially received as an investigational procedure, but since the revelation of promising safety and efficacy data, it is becoming the preferred treatment for achalasia. With the recent completion of our 1000th POEM procedure, we share our experience and knowledge through the discussion of clinical pearls, pitfalls, and practical considerations.

Methods: The various aspects of the procedure and conditions that warrant special attention are discussed from our perspective, with a focus on areas in which there is currently limited evidence.

Results: The key points on patient position, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, closure, intraprocedural bleeding, and advanced sigmoid achalasia are presented.

Conclusions: The dissemination of this information serves as a foundation for new POEM operators and as a catalyst for more-experienced operators to further refine and advance their POEM skills and stimulate international discourse and collaboration.