Per-oral endoscopic myotomy

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy
Other namesPOEM
SpecialtyGastroenterology

The per-oral endoscopic myotomy, or POEM, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of achalasia wherein the inner circular muscle layer of the lower esophageal sphincter is divided through a submucosal tunnel.[1] This enables food and liquids to pass into the stomach, a process that is impaired in achalasia. The tunnel is created, and the myotomy performed, using a flexible endoscope, meaning the entire procedure can be done without external incisions.

  1. ^ Chuah, SK; Chiu, CH; Tai, WC; Lee, JH; Lu, HI; Changchien, CS; Tseng, PH; Wu, KL (7 September 2013). "Current status in the treatment options for esophageal achalasia". World Journal of Gastroenterology. 19 (33): 5421–9. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i33.5421. PMC 3761094. PMID 24023484.