What is it?

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is an innovative procedure used to relax the muscles in the esophagus and treat diseases that cause swallowing difficulties, such as achalasia. This method is offered as an alternative to surgical intervention.

How is it done?

The patient is sedated and an endoscope is guided into the esophagus. The muscle layer in the lower part of the esophagus is cut, which makes it easier for food to pass into the stomach. The POEM procedure usually takes 1-2 hours and the patient can be discharged on the same day as it is minimally invasive.

In which cases is it applied?

• Achalasia (inability of the esophageal muscles to relax)
• Diffuse esophageal spasm
• Other causes of dysphagia

What are the Treatment Methods?

• Surgical cutting of muscle tissue
• Reduction of dysphagia symptoms
• Treatment of esophageal muscle spasms