Safe Use of POEM in a Patient With Decompensated Cirrhosis and Severe Achalasia.

Patients with both achalasia and decompensated cirrhosis can often present a therapeutic challenge because portal hypertension has generally been considered a contraindication to definitive therapies for achalasia. This case report depicts a patient who presented with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and large-volume ascites; was diagnosed with type II achalasia and decompensated cirrhosis without esophageal varices; and underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy after preprocedural transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement. Our case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care and need for definitive therapies for these complex patients at high risk of malnutrition and sarcopenia.

Changes in the Treatment of Primary Esophageal Motility Disorders Imposed by the New Classification for Esophageal Motility Disorders on High Resolution Manometry (Chicago Classification 4.0).

The Chicago Classification is the most used classification for primary esophageal motility disorders (PEMD). This classification was recently updated to the 4.0 version. This opinion piece focuses on the possible implications for the treatment of PMED determined by the new classification. Chicago Classification 4.0 included two new concepts for the diagnosis of achalasia: (1) type III achalasia diagnosis demands 100% absent peristalsis defined as either failed peristalsis or spasm; (2) "inconclusive diagnosis of achalasia" was added as a possibility. Both may decrease unnecessary treatment. Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, distal esophageal spasm, and hypercontractile esophagus were only considered clinically significant when correlated to supportive testing and relevant clinical symptoms and in the absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. This may decrease the surge of treatment, especially peroral endoscopic myotomy, based solely on manometric diagnosis.

Feasibility of using an led-probe in third-space endoscopy: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Third-space endoscopy is a novel, safe, and effective method for treating different gastrointestinal conditions. However, several failed endoscopic procedures are attributed to incomplete myotomy. Lighting devices are used to prevent organic injuries. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a hand-made LED-probe (LP) in third-space procedures. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary-care center in Mexico between December 2016 and January 2019. We included peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy(G-POEM) procedures. Pseudoachalasia, peptic ulcer, normal gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) and prepyloric tumors were excluded. LP was used to guide or confirm procedures. Clinical and procedural characteristics were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy third-space procedures were included (42POEM,28G-POEM), with an average patient age of 46.7 ± 14.3 and 43.7 ± 10.1 years, respectively. For the POEM and G-POEM groups, respectively, 18/42(42.9%) and 13/28(46.7%) patients were males; median procedure times were 50 (interquartile range [IQR]: 38-71) and 60(IQR: 48-77) min, median LP placement times were 5(IQR: 4-6) and 6(IQR: 5-7) min, mild adverse events occurred in 4(9.4%) and 4(14.2%) of cases, and clinical success at 6 months occurred in 100 and 85.7% of cases. Integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) improved from 27.3 ± 10.8 to 9.5 ± 4.1 mmHg (p < 0.001); retention percentage at 4 h also improved. LP was successfully placed and adequate myotomy confirmed including 14.2 and 17.8% of POEM and G-POEM difficult patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using an LP is promising and allows guiding during third-space procedures either for submucosal tunnel creation or myotomy confirmation, with excellent safety and efficacy in clinical practice.

Miotomía endoscópica por vía oral (POEM) para el tratamiento de acalasia: nuestras primeras experiencias / Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treatment of achalasia: our first experiences

Resumen Introducción: la miotomía endoscópica por vía oral (POEM) se diseñó inicialmente para el manejo de la acalasia, que es un trastorno crónico y progresivo de la motilidad esofágica con hipertensión del esfínter esofágico inferior (EEI), para la cual el manejo estándar, hasta ahora, ha sido la cirugía de Heller; sin embargo, esta nueva técnica ofrece resultados muy comparables y prometedores. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con acalasia operados por POEM en una institución de Colombia por un solo cirujano endoscopista. Resultados: se encontraron 4 pacientes con acalasia, todas con Eckardt ≥10 y presión EEI ≥30 mm Hg; el tiempo quirúrgico osciló entre 81-120 minutos; en el seguimiento, la reducción en la presión del EEI fue mayor al 50% prácticamente en todos los pacientes, encontrando valores cercanos a la normalidad y con resultados de Eckardt que demuestran éxito en la terapia POEM a los 2 meses de evaluación. Las complicaciones fueron resueltas en el intraoperatorio, con mortalidad de 0%. Conclusiones: El manejo de la acalasia mediante POEM ha demostrado ser una técnica eficaz y segura. Nuestros primeros hallazgos concuerdan con los resultados descritos en la literatura. Este es el primer paso para la implementación de este novedoso abordaje en el manejo de la acalasia en la población colombiana.

Abstract Introduction: Peroral endoscopic myotomies (POEMs) were initially designed to manage achalasia, a chronic and progressive esophageal motility disorder with lower esophageal sphincter hypertension (LES). Until recently, standard treatment had been Heller's surgery, but this new technique offers very promising pressure. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective review of the clinical histories of patients with achalasia who underwent POEM performed by one endoscopic surgeon at a Colombian institution. Results: Four patients with achalasia were found. All had Eckardt scores of ten or more and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure of 30mm Hg or more. Surgical times ranged between 81 and 120 minutes. Follow-up examinations found that LES pressure had decreased by more than 50% in practically all patients. Eckardt scores were close to normal. This demonstrates success of POEM therapy after two months of evaluation. Complications were resolved intraoperatively without mortality. Conclusions: Management of achalasia by POEM has proven to be a safe and effective technique. Our first findings agree with the results described in the literature. This is the first step in the implementation of this novel approach for management of achalasia in our Colombian population.

Per oral endoscopic myotomy vs. laparoscopic Heller myotomy, does gastric extension length matter?

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience in POEM vs. LHM, with particular focus on myotomy extension. BACKGROUND: POEM has been adopted worldwide as a treatment for achalasia. While resolution of dysphagia is above 90%, postoperative reflux ranges from 10 to 57%. Myotomy length has been a controversial topic. METHODS: Thirty-five cases of POEM were prospectively analyzed and compared retrospectively to the last 35 patients that underwent LHM, from December 2010 to August 2016. Mean follow-up was 10 months (6/32) for POEM and 20 months (6/68) for LHM. All patients with LHM had a myotomy extension ≥3 cm on the gastric side. In POEM cases, extension was defined by direct vision (Hill type II) and never exceeded 2 cm. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 100% of patients. Efficacy (ES ≤ 3) was 33/35 (94.2%) for POEM and 32/35 (91.4%) for LHM in a short-term follow-up (p = 1.000) and 31/35 (88.6%) and 27/35 (77.1%), respectively, in a long-term follow-up (p = 1.000), with average ES drop from 9 to 1.2 (p = 0.0001) in POEM vs. 9.2 to 1.3 (p = 0.0001) in LHM. Major Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (leak) for LHM and 1 patient (massive capnothorax) in POEM. Hospital stay was shorter for POEM than for LHM (1.3 vs. 2.1, respectively) (p = 0.0001). Symptomatic reflux cases included 7/35 POEM (20%) vs. 6/35 LHM (17.1%) (p = 0.4620). Esophagitis signs in endoscopy appeared in 1/21 POEM (4.7%) vs. 1/22 LHM (4.5%) (p = 1.000). Patients requiring PPI included 8/35 POEM (22.8%) vs. 7/35 LHM (20%) (p = 0.6642). Further treatment (endoscopic dilation) was performed in 10/35 POEM (28.5%) vs. 8/35 LHM (22.8%). CONCLUSIONS: A shorter myotomy on the gastric side in POEM may contribute to an acceptable reflux rate with comparable relief of dysphagia. Although our follow-up for POEM is shorter than for LHM, the trends are promising and warrant future prospective studies to address this topic.

The impact of flexible endoscopy in esophageal surgery.

Achalasia and Treatment of esophageal Adenocarcinoma are commonly associated to surgical resection. Newer technologies in interventional endoscopy gave way to a substantial paradigm shift in the management of these conditions. In the case of achalasia, endoscopic myotomy is rapidly displacing Heller's myotomy as the gold standard in many centers. Early stage neoplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) comprising high-grade dysplasia (HGD), intramucosal and, in some cases, submucosal carcinoma is now being treated without the need of esophagectomy. This review presents a summary of the most relevant endoscopic techniques for both achalasia and esophageal cancer. Endoscopic advances in diagnostic and therapeutic arenas allow for minimally invasive therapies and organ preservation in most settings of achalasia and early stage neoplasia of the esophagus provided that the clinical setting and physician's expertise are prepared for this approach.

Tension pneumothorax during peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of esophageal achalasia under general anesthesia / Pneumotórax de tensão durante miotomia endoscópica por via oral para tratamento de megaesôfago sob anestesia geral

Abstract More and more endoscopically gastrointestinal procedures require anesthesiologists to perform general anesthesia, such as "peroral endoscopic myotomy". Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a novel invasive treatment for the primary motility disorder of esophagus, called esophageal achalasia. Despite of its minimally invasive feature, there are still complications during the procedure which develop to critical conditions and threat patients' lives. Herein we describe a case about tension pneumothorax subsequent to esophageal rupture during peroral endoscopic myotomy. The emergent management of the complication is stated in detail. The pivotal points of general anesthesia for patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy are emphasized and discussed. Also, intraoperative and post-operative complications mentioned by literature are integrated.

Resumo Cada vez mais os procedimentos gastrointestinais feitos por endoscopia, tais como a miotomia endoscópica por via oral (MEVO), exigem anestesiologistas para administrar anestesia geral. A MEVO é um novo tratamento invasivo para o distúrbio de motilidade primária do esôfago, denominado acalasia esofágica (AE). Apesar de sua característica minimamente invasiva, existem complicações durante o procedimento que evoluem para condições críticas e de risco à vida. Descrevemos aqui um caso de pneumotórax hipertensivo após a ruptura do esôfago durante uma MEVO. O tratamento de emergência da complicação é relatado em detalhes. Os pontos cruciais da anestesia geral para pacientes submetidos à MEVO são enfatizados e discutidos. Além disso, as complicações mencionadas pela literatura nos períodos intraoperatório e pós-operatório são integradas ao texto.

[Tension pneumothorax during peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of esophageal achalasia under general anesthesia]. / Pneumotórax de tensão durante miotomia endoscópica por via oral para tratamento de megaesôfago sob anestesia geral.

More and more endoscopically gastrointestinal procedures require anesthesiologists to perform general anesthesia, such as "peroral endoscopic myotomy". Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a novel invasive treatment for the primary motility disorder of esophagus, called esophageal achalasia. Despite of its minimally invasive feature, there are still complications during the procedure which develop to critical conditions and threat patients' lives. Herein we describe a case about tension pneumothorax subsequent to esophageal rupture during peroral endoscopic myotomy. The emergent management of the complication is stated in detail. The pivotal points of general anesthesia for patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy are emphasized and discussed. Also, intraoperative and post-operative complications mentioned by literature are integrated.

Achalasia 2016: Treatment Alternatives.

The treatment for achalasia changed dramatically after the introduction of minimally invasive surgery. Since 1991, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has replaced pneumatic dilatation (PD) as the primary form of treatment in many centers. Over time, PD became safer, and eventually endoscopic experts were able to perform an endoscopic myotomy via a per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. Ultimately, the best outcomes are obtained by a multidisciplinary team that can tailor a specific treatment to each individual patient.

Estudo prospectivo para tratamento de acalasia pela técnica de miotomia endoscópica POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) / Prospective study of POEM: Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy in the treatment of esophageal achalasia

Miotomia endoscópica por via oral (POEM) foi recentemente descrita em humanos como tratamento para a acalasia. Este conceito tem evoluído a partir de desenvolvimentos na cirurgia endoscópica transluminal por orifícios (NOTES) e com potencial para se tornar uma importante opção terapêutica para o tratamento de megaesôfago. Neste estudo prospectivo descrevemos nossa abordagem com o POEM e a experiência inicial para o tratamento de pacientes com acalasia. Três pacientes com distúrbios da motilidade esofágica foram submetidos ao POEM. Este procedimento endoscópico consiste em uma incisão na mucosa do esôfago, formando um túnel submucoso até cárdia para divisão seletiva das fibras circulares do esfíncter inferior do esôfago (EIE). Essa entrada na mucosa é fechada por clipes hemostáticos endoscópicos. Todos os pacientes tiveram esofagogramas e manometrias esofágicas no pré e pós-operatório para acompanhamento clínico, comparativo, em 3 meses. Todos os três pacientes foram submetidos com sucesso ao tratamento POEM, e a miotomia tinha um comprimento médio de 13 cm. O tempo operatório variou 115-120 minutos. A permanência no hospital foi de 4 dias. Nossa experiência inicial com o procedimento POEM demonstra sua segurança operacional, sendo considerados bons os resultados clínicos iniciais. Embora os dados de avaliação a longo prazo devam ser estudados, o POEM poderia se tornar o tratamento de escolha para acalasia.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has recently been described in humans as a treatment for achalasia. This concept has evolved from developments in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and has the potential to become an important therapeutic option. We describe our approach as well as our initial clinical experience as part of an ongoing study treating achalasia patients with POEM. Three patients with esophageal motility disorders were enrolled in and underwent POEM. This completely endoscopic procedure involved a mid esophageal mucosal incision, a submucosal tunnel onto the gastric cardia, and selective division of the circular and sling fibers at the lower esophageal sphincter. The mucosal entry was closed by conventional hemostatic clips. All patients had postoperative esophagograms before discharge and initial clinical follow-up 3 weeks postoperatively. All (3 of 3) patients successfully underwent POEM treatment. After the procedure, smooth passage of the endoscope through the gastroesophageal junction was observed in all patients. Operative time ranged from 120 to 240 minutes. No leaks were detected in the swallow studies and mean length of stay was 4 days. No clinical complications were observed, and at the initial follow-up, all patients reported dysphagia relief without reflux symptoms. Our initial experience with the POEM procedure demonstrates its operative safety, and early clinical results have shown good results. Although further evaluation and long-term data are mandatory, POEM could become the treatment of choice for symptomatic achalasia.

POEM, nueva técnica mínimamente invasiva de terapia endoscópica para la acalasia esofágica: descripción de la técnica en base a un caso clínico / POEM, new minimally invasive technique of endoscopic therapy for esophageal acalasia: description of the technique based on a clinical case

The esophageal achalasia is an infrequent disease with significant morbidity. Multiple therapeutic alternatives are available with varying results. In 2008, POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) endoscopic surgery was initiated in Japan (Inoue, Yokohama). Since then, it has been performed with excellent results. Objective: To describe this technique and the performance of POEM surgery based on a clinical case. Methods: The first POEM surgery was performed in Chile, according to the standards described in Inoue’s technique. It was performed by a single operator with previous training. Original devices were used. Prior informed consent was obtained, at Hospital Padre Hurtado in Santiago in January 2014. Results: A 34-year-old female patient, due to significant dysphagia and weight loss, was fully studied and diagnosed of esophageal achalasia type II. POEM surgery was carried out using the technique described by Inoue. The operating time was 150 minutes. No bleeding or intraoperative complications were detected. Upper endoscopic control at 24 h was normal, initiating progressive oral feeding. Discharged at the 4th postoperative day, without problems after a month. Conclusions: POEM surgery is a safe, effective and replicable treatment for esophageal achalasia in a public hospital in Chile.

La acalasia esofágica es una enfermedad infrecuente con morbilidad significativa. Existen múltiples alternativas terapéuticas con diferentes resultados. El año 2008 se inicia en Japón (Inoue, Yokohama) la cirugía endoscópica de POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) con excelentes resultados. Objetivo: Describir la técnica y realización de la cirugía de POEM en base a un caso clínico. Métodos: Se planifico la realización de la primera cirugía de POEM en Chile, siguiendo los estándares descritos en su técnica. Fue realizada por un solo operador con entrenamiento previo, utilizando accesorios originales, previo consentimiento informado, en el Hospital Padre Hurtado de Santiago, en enero de 2014. Resultados: Se realizó en un paciente femenino de 34 años, previo estudio completo por disfagia y baja de peso significativa, diagnosticándose una acalasia esofágica tipo II. Se realizó una cirugía de POEM, siguiendo la técnica descrita por el Dr. Inoue. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 150 min. No se presentó sangrado o complicaciones intraoperatorias. Endoscopia digestiva alta control a las 24 h fue normal, iniciando régimen progresivo. Alta al 4° día post operatorio, con favorable evolución al mes post operatorio. Conclusiones: La cirugía de POEM es segura, efectiva y reproducible para el tratamiento de la acalasia esofágica en un Hospital Público en Chile.

[Peroral endoscopic full and partial-thickness myotomy. A viability study in an animal model]. / Miotomía endoscópica por vía oral de espesor total y parcial. Estudio de factibilidad en un modelo animal.

BACKGROUND: Peroral endoscopic myotomy has recently been developed and performed on patients with good results. AIMS: To evaluate the technical feasibility of peroral endoscopic full-thickness and partial thickness myotomy in a porcine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen criollo pigs were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group A (partial-thickness myotomy) and group B (full-thickness myotomy). The mucosal defect proximal to the myotomy site was left open. On the seventh postoperative day the pig was euthanized and follow-up surgical exploration was performed. The duration of each procedure, postoperative progression of the animal, complications, and anatomopathologic findings were registered. RESULTS: The procedure was viable in all the pigs. The mean surgery duration was 81±35.3min (group A 51.11±11.12, group B 111±22.61; P<.05). The main complication during myotomy was subcutaneous emphysema (16%). The histopathologic study of the group A surgical specimens reported complete circular myotomy in all cases, and complete circular and longitudinal myotomy was reported in 100% of the group B sample. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic myotomy technique is feasible. Endoscopic partial-thickness myotomy was associated with shorter surgery duration and better results during the intraoperative period and the 7-day follow-up.

Acalasia esofágica / Esophageal achalasia

La acalasia es una patología de baja frecuencia que afecta la motilidad esofágica producto de la denervación mientérica del esófago y también, en gran proporción de casos, de estómago. Sus causas permanecen aún poco esclarecidas y su diagnóstico sigue siendo tardío, reportándose un desfase de al menos 5 años desde el inicio de la sintomatología, confundiéndose muchas veces con patologías como la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico, entre otras. Es por ello, que requiere un alto índice de sospecha y un estudio acabado, siendo la manometría esofágica el estándar de oro. El tratamiento no es curativo en la actualidad, y está centrado en el alivio de los síntomas. Las alternativas quirúrgicas que se disponen son, la miotomía de Heller, dilatación endoscópica, y la más reciente miotomía endoscópica peroral (POEM). El tratamiento médico no ha demostrado buenos resultados y hoy en día presenta restringidas indicaciones.

Achalasia is a rare disease that affects esophageal motility as result of myenteric denervation of the esophagus and in a large proportion of cases, stomach. Its causes remain still poorly elucidated and its diagnosis remains late, reporting a delay of at least 5 years from the onset of symptoms, often confused with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, among others. Therefore, it requires a high index of suspicion and a comprehensive study, being esophageal manometry the gold standard. There is no curative treatment today and is focused on the relief of symptoms. The surgical available options are, Heller myotomy, endoscopic dilation, and the most recent peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Medical treatment has not proved successful and today has restricted indications.