Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder with multiple modality of treatment, however, a novel treatment with per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) have recently gained recognition as a standard of care. Objective: To evaluate the early outcomes and complications of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in Nakornping Hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study of medical record reviewed all patients diagnosed with achalasia and was treated with POEM between August 2018 and March 2025. Patient demographic data, early outcomes and complications were evaluated. A follow up of at least 1 year data was collected. Results: A total of 14 patients were included. Technical success was achieved in 92.8% (13/14) of cases, with one conversion to endoscopic dilatation due to bleeding. The median operative time was 162.5 minutes. Overall morbidity was 28.5% (n=4), including one perforation controlled with endoscopic clips, one bleeding event, and two cases of aspiration pneumonia. The median length of stay was 4 days. At 1-year follow-up, clinical success was evident as the median Eckardt score significantly improved from 7 preoperative to 1 (range: 0–3). Additionally, timed-barium esophagography measurements improved, and median BMI increased from 19.6 to 21.4 kg/m². Conclusion: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a safe and effective treatment of achalasia with proficient 1 year outcome. However a long-term follow is warrent for evaluation.
Author: Angkurawaranon, Chotirot
Institution: Nakornping Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Gastroenterology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219203603