Gastroesophageal reflux following peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: Bumps in the road to success.

Achalasia can significantly impair the quality of life. The clinical presentation typically includes dysphagia to both solids and liquids, chest pain, and regurgitation. Diagnosis can be delayed in patients with atypical presentations, and they might receive a wrong diagnosis, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), owing to overlapping symptoms of both disorders. Although the cause of achalasia is poorly understood, its impact on the motility of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction is well established. Several treatment modalities have been utilized, with the most common being surgical Heller myotomy with concomitant fundoplication and pneumatic balloon dilatation. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has gained popularity as an effective treatment for achalasia, despite a relatively high incidence of GERD occurring after treatment compared to other modalities. The magnitude of post-POEM GERD depends on its definition and is influenced by patient and procedure-related factors. The long-term sequelae of post-POEM GERD are yet to be determined, but it appears to have a benign course and is usually manageable with clinically available modalities. Identifying risk factors for post-POEM GERD and modifying the POEM procedure in selected patients may improve the overall success of this technique.

Efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy for pediatric achalasia: A nationwide study.

Achalasia, a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and loss of esophageal peristalsis, significantly impacts pediatric patient quality of life through symptoms like dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss. This nationwide retrospective cohort study evaluates the efficacy and safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for pediatric achalasia in Mongolia, contributing to the limited global data on this minimally invasive treatment in children. Conducted between February 2020 and March 2022 at 2 tertiary centers, the study included symptomatic achalasia patients, treatment-naive or those with unsatisfactory outcomes from previous esophageal dilations. The POEM procedure was assessed for its impact on esophageal structure and function, symptom severity via the Eckardt score, and procedure-related safety, with outcomes measured at baseline, 3 days, and 12 months post-procedure. The study demonstrated notable post-procedure improvements across all measured outcomes: abnormal contraction length and esophageal width significantly reduced, underscoring the procedure's effectiveness. More precisely, the integrated relaxation pressure showed a significant improvement from a mean of 26.8 mm Hg (standard deviation [SD], 5.4 mm Hg) pre-procedure to 10.8 mm Hg (SD, 1.1 mm Hg) 12 months (P < .001). Similarly, Eckardt scores, which assess symptom severity, improved significantly from a pre-procedure mean of 7.0 (SD, 1.0) to a substantially lower score post-procedure (P < .001), reflecting enhanced patient quality of life and symptom alleviation. This study underscores POEM's role as an effective, minimally invasive option for pediatric achalasia management within the Mongolian population, offering significant symptomatic relief and improved esophageal function.

The Impact of Early Nutrition Following Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia: A Tertiary Center Experience.

BACKGROUND/AIMS:  This retrospective single-center study aimed to assess the safety of early feeding in patients who met certain criteria following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Data from 100 patients who underwent POEM at our center between January and December 2022 were collected. Early feeding was defined as the introduction of clear liquid foods at 4 hours post procedure. At 4 and 24 hours, the pain was rated using the visual analog scale (VAS) in all patients. Patients without intraoperative complications (pneumoperitoneum requiring needle drainage, severe arterial bleeding requiring the use of hemostatic forceps, severe mucosal injury) and severe pain (VAS score > 6) and nausea-vomiting at the fourth postoperative hour were given the early feeding approach. In patients who did not meet these requirements, enteral feeding was initiated after 24 hours (late feeding). RESULTS:  Among the 100 patients, 50 patients were categorized early feeding. No patients had a control esophagogram. In the early and late enteral feeding groups, VAS scores were 4 (0-6) and 6 (1-8) (P< 001) at 4 hours and 1 (0-3) and 1 (0-6) (P = .043) at 24 hours, respectively. No severe complications were developed after early feeding. The median hospital stay in the early feeding group was 1 (1-3) day. There was no emergency readmission in any of early feeding patients. CONCLUSION:  Our study showed early feeding following POEM can be begun in achalasia patients who do not have intraoperative complications, severe pain, or nausea/vomiting.

Gastroesophageal reflux following per-oral endoscopic myotomy: Can we improve outcomes?

This editorial is an analysis the review article by Nabi et al recently published in this journal. Achalasia Cardia is a disease whose pathophysiology is still unclear. It is known that there is inflammation of unknown aetiology leading to loss of ganglion cells in the muscularis propria. The end result is lower oesophageal sphincter spasm, loss of receptive relaxation, decreased oesophageal peristalsis, all leading on to varying degrees of dysphagia. The treatment of this condition is palliative in nature, performed by myotomy of the lower oesophagus either surgically or endoscopically. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been associated with the myotomy performed, particularly with the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure. Nabi et al have provided an excellent overview of the latest developments in predicting, preventing, evaluating, and managing GERD subsequent to POEM. Based on this theme, this review article explores the concept of using histology of the oesophageal muscle layer, to grade the disease and thereby help tailoring the length/type of myotomy performed during the POEM procedure. In the future, will a histology based algorithm available preoperatively, help modify the POEM procedure, thereby decreasing the incidence of GERD associated with POEM?

Gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy: Management literature.

In this editorial, we respond to a review article by Nabi et al, in which the authors discussed gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). POEM is presently the primary therapeutic option for achalasia, which is both safe and effective. A few adverse effects were documented after POEM, including GER. The diagnostic criteria were not clear enough because approximately 60% of patients have a long acid exposure time, while only 10% experience reflux symptoms. Multiple predictors of high disease incidence have been identified, including old age, female sex, obesity, and a baseline lower esophageal sphincter pressure of less than 45 mmHg. Some technical steps during the procedure, such as a lengthy or full-thickness myotomy, may further enhance the risk. Proton pump inhibitors are currently the first line of treatment. Emerging voices are increasingly advocating for the routine combining of POEM with an endoscopic fundoplication method, such as peroral endoscopic fundoplication or transoral incisionless fundoplication. However, more research is necessary to determine the safety and effectiveness of these procedures in the long term for patients who have undergone them.

Prediction, prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after per-oral endoscopic myotomy: An update.

Achalasia cardia, the most prevalent primary esophageal motility disorder, is predominantly characterized by symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation. The principal therapeutic approaches for achalasia encompass pneumatic dilatation (PD), Heller's myotomy, and the more recent per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). POEM has been substantiated as a safe and efficacious modality for the management of achalasia. Although POEM demonstrates superior efficacy compared to PD and an efficacy parallel to Heller's myotomy, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following POEM is notably higher than with the aforementioned techniques. While symptomatic reflux post-POEM is relatively infrequent, the significant occurrence of erosive esophagitis and heightened esophageal acid exposure necessitates vigilant monitoring to preclude long-term GERD-related complications. Contemporary advancements in the field have enhanced our comprehension of the risk factors, diagnostic methodologies, preventative strategies, and therapeutic management of GERD subsequent to POEM. This review focuses on the limitations inherent in the 24-h pH study for evaluating post-POEM reflux, potential modifications in the POEM technique to mitigate GERD risk, and the strategies for managing reflux following POEM.

Incidence and risk factors of reflux esophagitis after peroral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia, but often leads to posttreatment gastroesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and severity of reflux esophagitis after POEM and to identify associated predictive factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent POEM between August 2011 and December 2022 were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictive factors for reflux esophagitis after POEM. KEY RESULTS: In total, 252 patients were included; of which, 46% were female and age ranged between 18 and 87 years. Reflux esophagitis within 1 year after POEM was observed in 131 patients (52%), which was severe in 29 patients (LA grade C/D, 12%). Length of full-thickness myotomy (cm; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21), Eckardt scores before POEM (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96), previous pneumatic dilation (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.91), and previous laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM; OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.86) were associated with reflux esophagitis after POEM. Alcohol use (none vs > 7 units per week; OR 3.51, 95% CI 1.35-9.11) and overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2; OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.17-6.09) were positive predictive factors and previous LHM (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.95) was a negative predictive factor for severe reflux esophagitis after POEM (LA grade C/D). CONCLUSION: About half of the patients develop reflux esophagitis after POEM and 12% is graded as severe. Recognizing predictive factors of reflux esophagitis after POEM treatment leads to better patient selection before POEM and provides an opportunity to take preventive measures or start preemptive treatment.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy: a two-center retrospective study of practice and adverse events.

Background and study aims: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the preferred technique for the treatment of esophageal motility disorders and is less invasive than surgery. This study was performed to compare two university centers in the practice of POEM, in terms of efficacy and adverse events, for the treatment of esophageal motility disorder. Patients and methods: Retrospective comparative study of patients undergoing a POEM between September 2020 and December 2022 from the University Hospital of Liège (Belgium) and Besançon (France). The clinical success was defined by an Eckardt score ≤ 3 after the procedure. Results: Fifty-five patients were included. In both centers, 87,3% of the patients had achalasia (mostly type II), and 12,7% had another esophageal motility disorder. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis was systematic in Liège center but not in Besançon center (100% and 9.1% respectively). The mean value of the post-operative Eckardt score was 1.55± 2.48 in both center with 93.2% of patients with a score ≤ 3 (92% in Besançon and 94.74% in Liège). The rate of adverse event was generally low. There were two minor adverse events more frequent in Liège, clinical capnomediastinum and pain at day one, but they were managed with conservative treatment. Only 7.3% of the total patients had an infectious phenomenon that did not correlate with the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusion: The post-operative Eckardt score and the adverse event rate were comparable between the university centers. This study confirmed that POEM is a safe and effective technique. It also showed that using an antibiotic prophylaxis does not influence the development of infectious adverse events.

Transcatheter Myotomy to Reduce Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a source of morbidity in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and a life-threatening complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Available surgical and transcatheter approaches are limited by high surgical risk, unsuitable septal perforators, and heart block requiring permanent pacemakers. OBJECTIVES: The authors report the initial experience of a novel transcatheter electrosurgical procedure developed to mimic surgical myotomy. METHODS: We used septal scoring along midline endocardium (SESAME) to treat patients, on a compassionate basis, with symptomatic LVOT obstruction or to create space to facilitate TMVR or TAVR. RESULTS: In this single-center retrospective study between 2021 and 2023, 76 patients underwent SESAME. In total, 11 (14%) had classic HCM, and the remainder underwent SESAME to facilitate TMVR or TAVR. All had technically successful SESAME myocardial laceration. Measures to predict post-TMVR LVOT significantly improved (neo-LVOT 42 mm2 [Q1-Q3: 7-117 mm2] to 170 mm2 [Q1-Q3: 95-265 mm2]; P < 0.001; skirt-neo-LVOT 169 mm2 [Q1-Q3: 153-193 mm2] to 214 mm2 [Q1-Q3: 180-262 mm2]; P < 0.001). Among patients with HCM, SESAME significantly decreased invasive LVOT gradients (resting: 54 mm Hg [Q1-Q3: 40-70 mm Hg] to 29 mm Hg [Q1-Q3: 12-36 mm Hg]; P = 0.023; provoked 146 mm Hg [Q1-Q3: 100-180 mm Hg] to 85 mm Hg [Q1-Q3: 40-120 mm Hg]; P = 0.076). A total of 74 (97.4%) survived the procedure. Five experienced 3 of 76 (3.9%) iatrogenic ventricular septal defects that did not require repair and 3 of 76 (3.9%) ventricular free wall perforations. Neither occurred in patients treated for HCM. Permanent pacemakers were required in 4 of 76 (5.3%), including 2 after concomitant TAVR. Lacerations were stable and did not propagate after SESAME (remaining septum: 5.9 ± 3.3 mm to 6.1 ± 3.2 mm; P = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS: With further experience, SESAME may benefit patients requiring septal reduction therapy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as well as those with LVOT obstruction after heart valve replacement, and/or can help facilitate transcatheter valve implantation.

The role of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) following peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): A pilot, prospective, patient-driven study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a concern after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) has been recently described as a possible therapy for post-POEM GERD in case series. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients undergoing POEM who agreed to participate in objective post-procedure GERD evaluation. Patients with objective evidence of GERD and suitable anatomy were offered TIF vs. proton pump inhibitor (PPI) only. Patients who underwent TIF were compared to those on PPI-only therapy after follow-up. RESULTS: Of 21 enrolled POEM patients with objective testing, GERD was found in 11 (52%). Of those eligible for TIF, 4 (40%) opted to pursue TIF and were compared to those on PPI-only therapy ( n = 6). Three months post-TIF, 75% of patients had discontinued or significantly decreased PPI. There were no adverse events. GERD health-related quality of life scores were low and comparable between TIF (3.75 ± 6.2) and those who remained on PPI-only therapy (4.1 ± 5). CONCLUSION: In this pilot, patient-driven prospective study, 75% of patients with post-POEM GERD undergoing TIF had stopped or significantly reduced PPI use. Post-POEM TIF is safe and effective and may be a viable alternative to PPI for POEM-related GERD; however, future studies should include a control arm and post-intervention pH monitoring.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for spastic esophageal dysmotility among opioid users: a multicenter propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) often presents as spastic esophageal disorders (SEDs) and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for SEDs and EGJOO among opioid users and nonusers. METHODS: This propensity score (PS) matching study included consecutive opioid users and nonusers who underwent POEM for SEDs and EGJOO between January 2018 and September 2022. The following covariates were used for the PS calculation: age, sex, duration of symptoms, Eckardt score, type of motility disorder, and length of myotomy during POEM. Clinical response was defined as a post-POEM Eckardt score ≤3. RESULTS: A total of 277 consecutive patients underwent POEM during the study period. PS matching resulted in the selection of 64 pairs of patients strictly matched 1:1 (n = 128) with no statistically significant differences in demographic, baseline, or procedural characteristics or in the parameters considered for the PS between the 2 groups. Clinical response to POEM was significantly lower among opioid users (51 of 64 [79.7%]) versus nonusers (60 of 64 [93.8%]) (P = .03) at a median follow-up of 18 months. Among opioid users, higher opioid dose (>60 morphine milligram equivalents per day) was associated with a higher likelihood of failure to respond to POEM (odds ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.98; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical response to POEM for SEDs and EGJOO is significantly lower among opioid users versus nonusers. There was a dose-relationship between opioids and response to POEM, with higher daily opioid usage associated with a higher likelihood of treatment failure.

Factors associated with early failure of peroral endoscopic myotomy in achalasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Achalasia can be treated very effectively with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), but factors associated with early failure remain to be determined, especially in European cohorts. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients who underwent a first POEM to treat primary achalasia were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Early failure was defined by an Eckardt score (ES) >3 at 3 months after POEM. When evaluating factors predictive of early failure, 2 cohorts were considered: one consisted of the total population, for whom only basic variables were collected, and the other a cohort built for a case-control study that included matched early-failure and early-success patients (ratio, 1:2). RESULTS: Among 746 patients, the early failure rate was 9.4%. Predictive factors were age ≤45 years (P = .019), achalasia types I and III (P < .001), and the development of a severe adverse event during the procedure (P = .023). In the case-control study, the only additional independent risk factor for early failure was a high pre-POEM ES (P = .001). Only the retrosternal pain subscore was significantly associated with the early failure rate. CONCLUSION: The early failure rate of POEM used to treat primary achalasia is <10%. Younger age, type I/III achalasia, and a high pre-POEM ES were significantly associated with failure.

Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) for symptomatic oesophageal diverticulum: a multicentre cohort study with a minimum follow-up of 3 years.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the medium- and long-term outcomes of diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) for symptomatic oesophageal diverticulum. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic oesophageal diverticulum who underwent D-POEM from 1st May 2016 to 1st April 2020 in 6 centres were extracted and researched. Symptoms assessed by the modified Eckardt score were registered pre- and post-D-POEM at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD, n = 12), mid-oesophageal diverticulum (MED, n = 12), and epiphrenic diverticulum (ED, n = 10) were included. Complete septotomy was achieved in a mean of 39.15 min, with 100% technical success. No severe intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Five patients exhibited subcutaneous emphysema, while 1 had mucosal injury. The mean Eckardt score was 8.59 preoperatively and 2.56 at 1 month, 2.09 at 6 months, 2.21 at 12 months, 2.15 at 24 months, and 2.21 at 36 months postoperatively. The total clinical success rates at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively were 97.1%, 97.1%, 94.1%, 91.2%, and 88.2%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 47.2 months, four patients suffered symptom relapse, with a total clinical success rate of 88.2%. A long disease duration, a high Eckardt score, and coexistence of achalasia were identified as risk factors for symptomatic recurrence by multivariable Cox analysis. CONCLUSIONS: D-POEM is an effective and durable treatment for patients with symptomatic oesophageal diverticulum.

Conventional versus oblique fiber-sparing endoscopic myotomy for achalasia cardia: a randomized controlled trial (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: GERD is common after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Selective sparing of oblique fibers may reduce the incidence of reflux esophagitis after POEM. In this study, we compared the incidence of GERD between conventional myotomy (CM) versus oblique fiber-sparing (OFS) myotomy in patients with achalasia. METHODS: Eligible patients with type I and II achalasia who underwent POEM from January 2020 to October 2020 were randomized into 2 groups (CM and OFS myotomy). Exclusion criteria were type III achalasia, sigmoid esophagus, and history of Heller's myotomy. The primary study outcome was incidence of reflux esophagitis (at least grade B) in the 2 groups. Secondary outcomes were reflux symptoms, esophageal acid exposure, clinical success, and adverse events. RESULTS: One hundred fifteen patients were randomized into CM (n = 58) and OFS myotomy (n = 57) groups. POEM was technically successful in all patients. Overall, reflux esophagitis was found in 56 patients (48.7%). The incidence of at least grade B esophagitis was similar in both groups (CM vs OFS myotomy: 25.9% vs 31.6%, P = .541). The mean number of reflux episodes (48.2 ± 36.6 vs 48.9 ± 40.3, P = .933), increased esophageal acid exposure >6% (45.5% vs 31.7%, P = .266), and high DeMeester scores (38.6% vs 41.5%, P = .827) were similar in both groups. There was no difference in the rate of symptomatic reflux (GERD questionnaire score >7) or use of proton pump inhibitors at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Sparing of sling fibers has no significant impact on the incidence of significant reflux esophagitis after POEM. Novel strategies need to be explored to prevent reflux after POEM. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT04229342.).

MANAGEMENT OF SYMPTOMS RECURRENCE AFTER MYOTOMY FOR ACHALASIA. A PRACTICAL APPROACH.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder, and myotomy is one of the most used treatment techniques. However, symptom persistence or recurrence occurs in 9 to 20% of cases. AIMS: This study aims to provide a practical approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy. METHODS: A critical review was performed to gather evidence for a rational approach for managing the recurrence or persistence of achalasia symptoms after myotomy. RESULTS: To properly manage an achalasia patient with significant symptoms after myotomy, such as dysphagia, regurgitation, thoracic pain, and weight loss, it is necessary to classify symptoms, stratify severity, perform appropriate tests, and define a treatment strategy. A systematic differential diagnosis workup is essential to cover the main etiologies of symptoms recurrence or persistence after myotomy. Upper digestive endoscopy and dynamic digital radiography are the main tests that can be applied for investigation. The treatment options include endoscopic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, redo surgery, and esophagectomy, and the decision should be based on the patient's individual characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: A good clinical evaluation and the use of proper tests jointly with a rational assessment, are essential for the management of symptoms recurrence or persistence after achalasia myotomy.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in the treatment of severe postfundoplication dysphagia.

Although uncommon, chronic postfundoplication dysphagia (PFD) is a serious complication of antireflux surgery. Currently, reoperation is the only possible solution as endoscopic pneumatic or hydraulic dilation are not effective. At present, POEM represents a standard method for the treatment of esophageal achalasia; however, in patients with PFD it is an experimental approach whose clinical effectiveness is unknown. Our case report describes a female patient who suffered from severe PFD after two surgeries (fundoplication and subsequent reoperation). Dysphagia and progressive weight loss had developed over the years and all treatment attempts (several sessions of dilation) were unsuccessful. Subsequently, esophageal resection was considered as the last resort. After a discussion in a multidisciplinary team and additional examinations (EndoFLIP), POEM was performed without any complications, and the procedure had an excellent effect without any adverse events.