Guide To Treating Esophageal Achalasia

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Another type of myotomy to treat esophageal achalasia is peroral endoscopic myotomy. Also called POEM, it is also an endoscopic procedure. While the patient is under general anesthesia, the doctor inserts the endoscope into their mouth and eases it into the esophagus. Once there, the doctor uses small surgical instruments to make incisions in the inside lining of the esophagus. The endoscope is then inserted into the wall of the esophagus. Guided by a monitor attached to the endoscope, the doctor incises the muscle near the bottom of the lower esophageal sphincter. The endoscope and instruments are then withdrawn, and the first incision is closed with endoscopic clips.