Pneumatic dilation (PD) is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment modality for achalasia that involves expansion of a rigid balloon across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to promote EGJ opening. Its efficacy has been demonstrated especially in type I and II achalasia; however, repeat dilation is often necessary. Younger age, male sex, and type III achalasia are negative predictors for treatment success in achalasia using PD. Careful patient selection and shared decision-making with the patients are essential to optimize treatment success and establish realistic outcome expectations.

Esophageal motor disorders (EMDs) encompass a spectrum of conditions characterized by abnormal motility patterns leading to impaired bolus transit through the esophagus. These disorders can generally be categorized as dysfunction of the esophagogastric junction, dysfunction of peristalsis, or a combination of both. A thorough clinical history focusing on classic symptoms is imperative to guide the diagnostic approach and interpretation of testing appropriately. High-resolution manometry is the cornerstone diagnostic modality for EMDs as it allows for interrogation of esophageal pressure dynamics in real time by measuring peristaltic activity of the esophageal body and the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.

This article explores the evolving role of endoscopic botulinum toxin (BTX) therapy for esophageal motor disorders (EMDs). While BTX has been extensively used in achalasia, its primary application now lies in managing nonachalasia EMDs such as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, hypercontractile esophagus, and diffuse esophageal spasm. The article details BTX injection techniques for the lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal body, and upper esophageal sphincter, highlighting short-term efficacy and safety. It advocates BTX as a first-line therapy for these conditions, alongside smooth muscle relaxants, and discusses its potential future role in functional dysphagia.

Achalasia is a chronic esophageal motility disorder comprised of ineffective esophageal peristalsis and incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. This disease had historically been managed through medical means as well as endoscopic dilations. However, surgical interventions are now considered standard of care, including minimally invasive Heller myotomy, which was popularized in 1990s, followed by per oral endoscopic myotomy in the 2010s. Both surgical approaches provide acceptable resolution of dysphagia symptoms. Classification of the achalasia as well as other patient-level factors may drive the clinical decision-making between the two approaches, as well as surgical training and surgeon preference.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a safe treatment for esophageal achalasia with comparable safety to Heller myotomy plus fundoplication and pneumatic dilatation (PD). More data comparing POEM to Heller Myotomy plus fundoplication and pneumatic dilation are available since the previous Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) guideline published on this topic in 2021.

This guideline provides an update to the evidence-based guideline from SAGES published in 2021. It is intended to support clinicians, surgeons, and patients in decisions about the use of POEM for the treatment of achalasia.

The panel agreed on 3 recommendations for adults with achalasia. A conditional recommendation for the use of POEM over PD was issued. Conditional recommendations included the option of using either POEM with appropriate use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or HM with fundoplication to treat achalasia. POEM was favored over HM with fundoplication for achalasia subtype III. No new literature was found for children, and the previous recommendation from 2021 should be referred to for this population.

POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia in adults. It demonstrates greater efficacy than PD, though there are specific situations where PD may be the more appropriate choice. POEM has previously been compared to Heller myotomy, but this comparison is less relevant to modern surgical practice. Shifting the paradigm, POEM plus appropriate use of PPIs should be compared to Heller plus fundoplication. This reflection of current practice allows for a conditional recommendation for either approach in the treatment of achalasia subtypes 1 and 2, and for a preference of POEM for subtype 3.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder characterized by absent esophageal peristalsis associated with failure of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Patients with achalasia may present with long-standing and slowly progressive dysphagia to solids and liquids, heartburn, regurgitation, refractory reflux symptoms and noncardiac chest pain. The esophagram and the timed barium swallow are useful imaging studies that may contribute to the diagnosis of achalasia and may be used to determine improvement after treatment. Esophagography is also ideally suited to evaluate potential post treatment complications. Treatment options for achalasia aim to disrupt the high-pressure LES to improve esophageal emptying, improve symptoms and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. The most common treatment options currently include esophageal botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy (often performed in conjunction with a fundoplication) and peroral endoscopic myotomy. Potential complications of these procedures may include intramural dissection, leak, scarring and fibrosis of the lower esophagus, strictures and problems related to gastroesophageal reflux and its associated complications. Radiologists must be aware of expected findings and potential complications following these procedures for timely and accurate diagnoses. The purpose of this paper is to describe treatment options for achalasia, illustrate expected imaging findings as well as imaging findings of potential early and long-term complications following treatment for achalasia.

This comprehensive narrative review thoroughly explores the treatment landscape for achalasia, a rare esophageal motility disorder. Beginning with an introduction outlining the anatomical and clinical aspects of achalasia, the review delves into its historical perspective, tracing the evolution of treatment options from early nonsurgical methods to advanced surgical techniques such as Heller's myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Technical perspectives on surgical interventions, including key steps, clinical practice guidelines, and modifications to POEM techniques, are extensively discussed. A comparative analysis between POEM and Heller's myotomy elucidates their indications, contraindications, efficacy, outcomes, and interventions for persistent symptoms or complications. Furthermore, the review explores the adverse events associated with both procedures, highlighting their safety profiles and management strategies. Finally, from a financial perspective, considerations such as operative time, hospital stay length, readmission rates, and quality-adjusted life years are examined, emphasizing the implications for patient decision-making. This review underscores the importance of a multidimensional approach to understanding and managing achalasia, advocating for further research to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects.

The distribution of body weight in patients with achalasia and after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has not been investigated. The role of body weight assessment after treatment remains unclear.

Using the multicenter achalasia cohort, the frequency of underweight (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) and their associated clinical characteristics were analyzed. After POEM, risk factors for insufficient- (underweight persistently) and excessive- (responded to overweight) weight gainers were investigated. The correlation between BMI-increase rate and severity of esophageal symptoms post-POEM was evaluated.

Among 3,410 patients, 23.0% and 15.7% were underweight and overweight, respectively. Factors associated with underweight were higher age, female sex, severe symptoms, high lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and non-dilated esophagus (all p < 0.01). Longitudinal analyses revealed that weight gain post-POEM was achieved after a long duration (≥ 12 months; p < 0.01). In 528 patients post-POEM, the frequency of underweight reduced to 8.3% (p < 0.01). Risk factors for insufficient-weight gain (36.1% of underweight patients) included low BMI (p < 0.01) and high LES pressure (p = 0.03) and conversely for excessive-weight gain. Machine learning models based on patient characteristics successfully predicted insufficient- and excessive-weight gainers with an area under the curve value of 0.74 and 0.75, respectively. Esophageal symptoms post-POEM did not correlate with BMI increase.

Underweight is not solely a condition of advanced achalasia. After POEM, insufficient- or excessive-weight gainers are not rare and can be predicted preoperatively. Body weight change is an independent nutrition parameter rather than a part of the assessment of residual esophageal symptoms.

This retrospective study aimed to compare treatment outcomes and postoperative courses, including the incidence of esophageal cancer (EC), according to disease types, in 450 achalasia patients who underwent peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Data from consecutive POEM procedures performed from September 2011 to January 2023 at a single institution were reviewed. Achalasia was classified into straight (St), sigmoid (S1), and advanced sigmoid (S2) types using esophagography findings. Regarding efficacy, POEM was considered successful if the Eckardt score was ≤3. A statistical examination of the incidence and trend of EC occurrence across the disease type of achalasia was conducted using propensity score matching.

Of the 450 patients, 349 were diagnosed with St, 80 with S1, and 21 with S2. POEM efficacy was 97.9% at 1 year and 94.2% at 2 years postprocedure, with no statistical difference between disease types. Using propensity score matching, the incidence of EC in each disease type was as follows: St, 1% (1/98); S1, 2.5% (2/77); S2, 10% (2/18). While no statistical significance was observed between St (1.0%: 1/98) and all sigmoid types (4.0%, 4/95; P = 0.3686). However, a trend test revealed a tendency for EC to occur more frequently in the order of S2, S1, and St type with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0413).

Outcomes of POEM are favorable for all disease types. After POEM, it is important not only to monitor the improvement of achalasia symptoms but also to pay attention to the occurrence of EC, especially in patients with sigmoid-type achalasia.

Several studies have hypothesized that sparing the oblique/sling fibers during posterior peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may reduce the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reflux esophagitis without compromising the established safety and efficacy of the procedure. This study compares perioperative, postoperative motility-related, and postoperative GERD-related outcomes between posterior oblique/sling fibers-sparing POEM (OFS-POEM) and conventional posterior POEM through a pairwise meta-analysis of comparative studies.

We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to identify articles directly comparing posterior OFS-POEM with conventional posterior POEM. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences for continuous data.

No significant differences were observed in perioperative outcomes, including mean gastric myotomy length, mean operative time, and incidence of adverse events. Similarly, no significant differences were noted in postoperative motility-related outcomes, such as mean Eckardt score and mean integrated relaxation pressure. However, a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of symptomatic GERD was observed in favor of OFS-POEM, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 10 (95% CI: 6-49). Interestingly, no significant differences were found in the incidence of objectively diagnosed postoperative GERD, such as the number of patients with DeMeester scores >14 or the incidence of reflux esophagitis.

This study suggests that OFS-POEM may reduce the incidence of symptomatic GERD following POEM, without affecting the incidence of GERD diagnosed by pH studies (DeMeester score >14) or by endoscopy (reflux esophagitis). Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further investigate the impact of OFS-POEM on GERD incidence as determined by pH studies and endoscopic findings. Given the limitations of this study, no definitive conclusions can be drawn. Multicenter randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are required to reach more reliable conclusions. Furthermore, stratifying data according to the type and class of achalasia would provide valuable information on whether there are differences in outcomes among the various types and classes of achalasia.

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder of unknown etiology. However, no studies have determined the populations in which sleep problems occur and whether they are improved by peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). We investigated the rate of sleep problems assessed by GERD-Q (AGQ) in achalasia patients, evaluated whether POEM improves these issues, and identified factors associated with sleep improvement after POEM.

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who were diagnosed with achalasia and who underwent POEM at a single institution between March 2016 and December 2020. We examined the Eckardt symptom score and the GERD-Q before and 3 months after POEM to assess the presence of sleep problems (AGQ) and other symptoms. The univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with sleep problem (AGQ) improvement after POEM.

A total of 177 patients were included. The average age was 52.6 ± 17.2 years. Preoperatively, dysphagia (172 [97.2%]), regurgitation (123 [69.5%]), sleep problems (AGQ; 110 [62.1%]), chest pain (102 [57.6%]), and weight loss (83 [46.9%]) were observed. Before POEM, 62.1% of patients experienced sleep problems (AGQ) compared with 9.6% after POEM (p < 0.0001). Postoperative dysphagia and regurgitation were significant factors determining whether patients continued to experience sleep problems (AGQ) after POEM.

Sleep problems (AGQ) were the third most common symptom in > 60% of patients with achalasia. Improving dysphagia and regurgitation using the POEM procedure improved sleep problems (AGQ).

There is significant variability in the immediate post-operative and long-term management of patients undergoing per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), largely stemming from the lack of high-quality evidence. We aimed to establish a consensus on several important questions on the after care of post-POEM patients through a modified Delphi process.

A steering committee developed an initial questionnaire consisting of 5 domains (33 statements): post-POEM admission/discharge, indication for immediate post-POEM esophagram, peri-procedural medications and diet resumption, clinic follow-up recommendations, and post-POEM reflux surveillance and management. A total of 34 experts participated in the 2 rounds of the Delphi process, with quantitative and qualitative data analyzed for each round to achieve consensus.

A total of 23 statements achieved a high degree of consensus. Overall, the expert panel agreed on the following: (1) same-day discharge after POEM can be considered in select patients; (2) a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics may be as effective as a short course; (3) a modified diet can be advanced as tolerated; and (4) all patients should be followed in clinic and undergo objective testing for surveillance and management of reflux. Consensus could not be achieved on the indication of post-POEM esophagram to evaluate for leak.

The results of this Delphi process established expert agreement on several important issues and provides practical guidance on key aspects in the care of patients following POEM.

Laparoscopic Heller miotomy of achalasia has been classically recognized as the gold standard management in children. There is increasing experience with the peroral endoscopic miotomy (POEM) approach in pediatrics, although the series published are scarce. The objective of this study was to present our experience in primary or secondary treatment of pediatric achalasia by POEM and its clinical success rate.

We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients with achalasia who underwent POEM in some national centers from October 2016 to January 2023. We evaluated clinical efficacy (Eckardt score ≤3), demographic characteristics, intraoperative, preoperative and postoperative, complications, and follow-up.

Fifteen POEM were performed in fourteen pediatric patients (aged 12 to 18 years) with achalasia. POEM was the first line treatment in 11 patients, but 4 (21.3%) had previous treatment: 1 (7,1%) pneumatic balloon dilation and 2 (14,2%) laparoscopic Heller myotomy and 1 (7,1%) previous POEM. The average age was 15 years (SD±1,9). The baseline Eckardt score was 7,5 (SD:±1,8), with the baseline GERD score being 6 (SD:±2,9). There was a Clavien-Dindo grade 2 postoperative adverse event corresponding to mild pneumonia (7,1%). The postoperative Eckardt and GERD score after 12 months of follow-up were 0.7 (SD±1,2) and 0,5 (SD±0,7). The study has a success rate greater than 93%.

POEM seems a safe and effective procedure, with a short postoperative period for treatment of pediatric achalasia.

Most patients who were included in previous studies on achalasia had increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been confirmed to be effective at relieving the clinical symptoms of achalasia associated with increased LES pressure.

To identify the safety and efficacy of POEM for patients with normal LES integrated relaxation pressure (LES-IRP).

The clinical data of patients who underwent POEM successfully in The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 481 patients who underwent preoperative high-resolution manometry (HRM) at our hospital were ultimately included in this research. According to the HRM results, the patients were divided into two groups: 71 patients were included in the normal LES-IRP group (LES-IRP < 15 mmHg) and 410 patients were included in the increased LES-IRP group (LES-IRP ≥ 15 mmHg). Clinical characteristics, procedure-related parameters, adverse events, and outcomes were compared between the two groups to evaluate the safety and efficacy of POEM for patients with normal LES-IRP.

Among the 481 patients included in our study, 209 were males and 272 were females, with a mean age of 44.2 years. All patients underwent POEM without severe adverse events. The median pre-treatment Eckardt scores of the normal LES-IRP and increased LES-IRP groups were 7.0 and 7.0 (P = 0.132), respectively, decreasing to 1.0 and 1.0 post-treatment (P = 0.572). The clinical success rate of the normal LES-IRP group was 87.3% (62/71), and that of the increased LES-IRP group was 91.2% (374/410) (P = 0.298). Reflux symptoms were measured by the GerdQ questionnaire, and the percentages of patients with GerdQ scores ≥ 9 in the normal LES-IRP and increased LES-IRP groups were 8.5% and 10.7%, respectively (P = 0.711). After matching, the rates of clinical success and the rates of GerdQ score ≥ 9 were not significantly different between the two groups.

Our results suggest that POEM is safe and effective for achalasia and patients with normal LES-IRP. In addition, in patients with normal LES-IRP, compared with those with increased LES-IRP, POEM was not associated with a greater incidence of reflux symptoms.

Blown-out myotomy (BOM) may impair the discharge of esophageal contents, leading to recurrent symptoms following myotomy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of salvage peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for symptomatic BOM.Between August 2011 and August 2022, 77 patients with recurrent achalasia with BOM and 168 with recurrent achalasia without BOM underwent POEM and were retrospectively enrolled. Operation-related parameters were compared between the two groups.Salvage POEM was performed in patients with symptomatic BOM, with a mean procedure duration of 60.8 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 3.2 days. Procedure-related adverse events included 16 cases (20.8%) of Type I mucosal injury, 3 cases (3.9%) of Type II mucosal injury, 5 cases (6.5%) of pneumothorax, 2 cases (2.6%) of emphysema, and 2 cases (2.6%) of pneumoperitoneum. Three patients (3.9%) experienced major adverse events. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the incidence of mucosal injury, gas-related adverse events, and major adverse events. Clinical success was equivalent between the two groups at the 2-year follow-up (85.7% vs. 92.3%; P = 0.16).Based on this study, POEM could be considered as an effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic BOM.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder, which shows impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the absence of peristalsis, leading to dysphagia, weight loss, and chest pain. In recent years, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become a popular method for treating achalasia. However, the effectiveness and safety of full-thickness myotomy (FTM) versus circular muscle myotomy (CMM) in POEM require further investigation.

This retrospective single-center analysis studied 152 patients who underwent POEM surgery at the General Hospital of the Western Theater Command from May 2014 to May 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the depth of myotomy: the FTM group and the CMM group. Parameters such as surgical success rate, procedure time, and myotomy length were evaluated, and treatment efficacy was assessed based on the Eckardt score. Postoperative complications and efficacy were also monitored.

Technical success was achieved in both groups, with shorter procedure times in the FTM group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative Eckardt scores and symptom improvement between the FTM and CMM groups. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups. The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) seemed to be higher in the FTM group, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.051).

For patients with achalasia, there were no significant differences in short-to-medium-term treatment efficacy and safety between FTM and CMM in POEM. Although FTM significantly reduced procedure time, it may lead to a higher incidence of GERD. More cases are needed in the future to explore the more appropriate myotomy for different achalasia subtypes.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) shows higher efficacy than pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD) for type I and II achalasia over 2 years. However, long-term durability beyond 5 years remains under-investigated. This study assessed the long-term efficacy of PBD versus POEM.

This retrospective comparative study examined treatment-naïve achalasia patients who underwent either PBD or POEM. Cohort balance was achieved through propensity score (PS) matching based on age, sex, Eckardt score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The primary outcome was the time to a second intervention. Secondary outcomes were treatment failure, Eckardt score, number of intervention sessions, weight gain, and adverse events.

Of the 127 patients, 67 underwent PBD and 60 underwent POEM, with an average follow-up of 7 years (interquartile range, 5-10). After PS matching, 100 patients with 1:1 matching were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, including clinical, endoscopic, and manometric attributes, were comparable between groups. The POEM group had a significantly longer time to a second intervention than the PBD group (hazard ratio, .139; 95% confidence interval, .048-.405) and underwent less endoscopic sessions (P < .001 by linear marginal model analysis) within the first 2 years. Beyond 2 years, subsequent interventions were comparable between groups. There were no differences in the Eckardt score or weight gain. Hospital stays were shorter in the PBD group (2 vs 4 days, P < .001). POEM patients had more adverse events, including perforation.

POEM demonstrated greater long-term durability than PBD, but PBD was associated with shorter hospital stays and fewer adverse events.

The Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale (EHAS) is an English questionnaire created in the USA to assess these factors in all patients with esophageal diseases. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Japanese version of EHAS and investigate the relationship between EHAS scores and symptoms in untreated disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow.

This prospective study recruited patients who underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM) at six tertiary centers in Japan. The EHAS was translated to Japanese using standard forward and backward translation methods. Patients completed the following questionnaires: the Japanese EHAS, Eckardt score, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for assessment of construct validity. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with esophageal symptom severity in untreated disorders of EGJ outflow.

Overall, we analyzed 432 patients. Their main symptoms were dysphagia and reflux. The most common HRM diagnosis was normal (35.9%), followed by achalasia (29.4%). The Japanese EHAS demonstrated excellent reliability, and construct validity, with two subscales similar to the original EHAS. Total EHAS score moderately correlated to Eckardt score (r = 0.545, p < 0.001). In 113 patients with untreated disorders of EGJ outflow, multivariable analysis demonstrated that younger age, type II achalasia, and higher EHAS score were independently associated with higher Eckardt score.

The Japanese EHAS is a reliable and valid questionnaire. Its subscale scores can be used as in the original version with some caution. Future studies are warranted to assess the appropriateness of factor loading.

Blunt dissection is not commonly performed in flexible endoscopic procedures. We developed a novel blunt dissection device and evaluated its feasibility, safety, and potential effectiveness in third space endoscopy procedures.

The device consists of a cotton swab and a flexible shaft. To evaluate its functionality, creation of 4-cm submucosal tunnels in live swine stomachs was attempted by either blunt dissection using our device or sharp dissection using a standard monopolar knife. Data on factors such as completion rate, operating time, adverse events, necessity of submucosal injection, and dissected submucosal thickness were collected.

Eighteen submucosal tunnels were successfully created (sharp: 9, blunt: 9) by two experienced endoscopists and one novice endoscopist. Median operating time was significantly shorter in the blunt dissection group (239 vs. 429 s, P = 0.008). In the sharp dissection group, the experienced endoscopists did not cause any muscle layer injuries, but the novice endoscopist caused muscle layer injuries in all cases. In the blunt dissection group, neither experienced nor novice endoscopists caused muscle layer injuries. The blunt dissection group required significantly fewer submucosal injections (0 vs. 5, P < 0.001). Median dissected submucosal thickness was similar between the groups.

Blunt dissection using our device was feasible, safe, and potentially effective in third space endoscopy procedures by shortening operating time, reducing submucosal injections, and potentially minimizing muscle layer injury.

Achalasia is an incurable condition of the esophagus involving the inflammation and degeneration of inhibitory neurons of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resulting in failure of the LES to relax. Typical symptoms of achalasia are dysphagia, retrosternal chest pain, regurgitation, and weight loss. Three studies are typically required for the diagnosis of achalasia: barium swallow, high-resolution esophageal manometry, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Differential diagnosis includes gastroesophageal reflux disease, pseudoachalasia, neoplasm, and nonachalasia esophageal motility disorders such as scleroderma, jackhammer esophagus, distal esophageal spasm, and nutcracker esophagus.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become the treatment of choice for achalasia. However, the impact of myotomy length on POEM outcomes remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the outcomes of short versus standard-length myotomy in achalasia patients.

We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify all RCTs that compared POEM using short myotomy with standard myotomy. The primary outcomes were clinical success and post-operative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The secondary outcomes were procedural time, length of hospital stay, and intraprocedural complications. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Three RCTs with 365 achalasia patients treated with short (n = 179) or standard (n = 186) myotomy were included. Short and standard myotomies showed similar clinical success (OR 1.95, 95% CI 0.61-6.23, p = 0.26; I2 = 41%), reflux symptoms (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.49-1.89, p = 0.92; I2 = 20%), pathologic acid exposure on pH monitoring (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.33-1.50, p = 0.36; I2 = 58%), reflux esophagitis on upper endoscopy (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.40-1.70, p = 0.59; I2 = 42%), intraprocedural complications (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.53-2.79, p = 0.65; I2 = 0%), and length of hospital stay (MD - 0.01, 95% CI - 0.72 to 0.69, p = 0.97, I2 = 73%). Procedural time was shorter in short myotomy (MD - 16.11 min, 95% CI - 26.04 to - 6.19, p = 0.001; I2 = 84%).

POEM using short myotomy for achalasia is non-inferior to standard myotomy for efficacy, safety, and post-operative GERD but is associated with a shorter procedural time.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) provides an evidence-based approach for strategies to diagnose and manage GERD. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework and serves as an update to the 2014 ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of GERD. This updated guideline addresses the indications for endoscopy in patients with GERD as well as in the emerging population of patients who develop GERD after sleeve gastrectomy or peroral endoscopic myotomy. It also discusses how to endoscopically evaluate gastroesophageal junctional integrity in a comprehensive and uniform manner. Importantly, this guideline also discusses management strategies for GERD including the role of lifestyle interventions, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and endoscopic antireflux therapy (including transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], radiofrequency energy, and combined hiatal hernia repair and TIF [cTIF]) in the management of GERD. The ASGE suggests upper endoscopy for the evaluation of GERD in patients with alarm symptoms, with multiple risk factors for Barrett's esophagus, and with a history of sleeve gastrectomy. The ASGE recommends careful endoscopic evaluation, reporting, and photo-documentation of objective GERD findings with attention to gastroesophageal junction landmarks and integrity in patients who undergo upper endoscopy to improve care. In patients with GERD symptoms, the ASGE recommends lifestyle modifications. In patients with symptomatic and confirmed GERD with predominant heartburn symptoms, the ASGE recommends medical management including PPIs at the lowest dose for the shortest duration possible while initiating discussion about long-term management options. In patients with confirmed GERD with small hiatal hernias (≤2 cm) and Hill grade I or II who meet specific criteria, the ASGE suggests evaluation for TIF as an alternative to chronic medical management. In patients with persistent GERD with large hiatal hernias (> 2cm) and Hill grade III or IV, the ASGE suggests either cTIF or surgical therapy based on multidisciplinary review. This document summarizes the methods, analyses, and decision processes used to reach the final recommendations and represents the official ASGE recommendations on the above topics.

This clinical practice guideline from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) provides an evidence-based approach for strategies to diagnose and manage GERD. This document was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and serves as an update to the prior ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of GERD (2014). The updated guideline addresses the indications for endoscopy in patients with GERD, including patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). It also discusses endoscopic evaluation of gastroesophageal junctional integrity comprehensively and uniformly. Important, this guideline discusses management strategies for GERD including lifestyle interventions, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and endoscopic antireflux therapy including transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), radiofrequency energy, and TIF combined with hiatal hernia repair (cTIF). The ASGE recommends upper endoscopy for the evaluation of GERD in patients with alarm symptoms. The ASGE suggests upper endoscopy for symptomatic patients with a history of SG and POEM. The ASGE recommends careful endoscopic evaluation, reporting, and photo-documentation of objective GERD findings and gastroesophageal junction landmarks and integrity to improve patient care and outcomes. In patients with GERD symptoms, the ASGE recommends lifestyle modifications. In patients with symptomatic and confirmed GERD with predominant heartburn symptoms, the ASGE recommends medical management including PPIs at the lowest dose for the shortest duration while initiating discussion about long-term management options. In patients with confirmed GERD with small hiatal hernia (≤2 cm) and Hill grade I or II flap valve who meet specific criteria, the ASGE suggests evaluation for TIF as an alternative to long-term medical management. In patients with confirmed GERD with a large hiatal hernia (>2 cm) and Hill grade 3 or 4 flap valve, the ASGE suggests evaluation for combined endoscopic-surgical TIF (cTIF) in a multidisciplinary review. This document clearly outlines the methodology, analysis, and decision used to reach the final recommendations and represents the official ASGE recommendations on the above topics.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel technique within the field of third space endoscopy. The overarching principal is creation of a mucosal incision, careful dissection of the submucosal space using an electrosurgical knife to reach the muscularis (ie, tunneling), performing a controlled myotomy, and finally, closure of the mucosal incision. POEM was first developed for the management of achalasia, and now a decade of evidence shows the procedure is safe, effective, and highly reproducible. Since then, the indications for POEM have expanded to a range of benign upper gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies including cricopharyngeal bar (C-POEM), Zenker's diverticulum (Z-POEM), esophageal diverticula (D-POEM), and gastroparesis (G-POEM). POEM offers the benefit of a minimally invasive alternative to surgical intervention with high clinical success and low rate of adverse events. As the field expands, there is need for more high-quality prospective evidence for the use of POEM within the upper GI tract akin to the ground-breaking work that has been achieved in achalasia. Within this review, we discuss the 5 main indications for POEM, the technical aspects of each corresponding procedure, and analyze the current evidence supporting their use in clinical practice.

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder with an estimated annual incidence of 1-5/100.000 and a mean age at diagnosis > 50 years of age. Only a fraction of the patients has an onset during childhood (estimated incidence of 0.1-0.18/ 100.000 children per year). No curative treatment is currently available. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a widely accepted treatment option to improve symptoms in adults. Studies evaluating safety and efficacy of POEM in children are scarce and no data exist regarding the quality of life in patients after POEM.

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of POEM in a cohort of children that was treated for achalasia and we prospectively evaluated their quality of life. We compared the results to a previous cohort evaluating Pneumatic Dilation (PD) and Laparoscopic Heller's Myotomy (LHM) in children with achalasia.

Thirty-three achalasia patients (age at time of POEM 14.1(± 2.5) years, 54.5% female) were included. Twenty-nine (87.8%) percent had received previous treatment (PD (n = 20); LHM (n = 1); PD + LHM (n = 7); PD + Botox (n = 1). POEM was technically successful in all patients and no major complications occurred. Mean follow-up duration was 33 (± 25) months. Twenty three (70%) patients did not need retreatment after POEM during the follow up period. Quality of life after POEM did not differ from the population norms. Patients with an Eckardt score > 3 had a significantly worse general (Kidscreen-52: physical score 44.7 vs. 52.4; p = 0.011; mental score: 42.5 vs. 51.3; p = 0.038) and disease specific (35 vs. 16; p = 0.017) quality of life compared to those with an Eckardt ≤ 3. The SF-36 mental health component score was significantly lower (44.2 vs. 53.1; p = 0.036) in patients treated with POEM compared to those treated with PD and LHM. These lower scores could be related to a selection bias, as more severe patients received POEM, and other influences such as the Corona pandemic. However, the overall, quality of life after POEM was not significantly different to PD and LHM.

POEM is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia in children. Quality of life after POEM is comparable to the results obtained after PD and Heller.

Patients with achalasia face a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer (EC), but the surveillance strategies for these patients remain controversial due to the long disease duration and the lack of identified risk factors.

To investigate the prevalence of esophageal Candida infection among patients with achalasia and to assess the association of Candida infection with EC risk within this population.

This retrospective cohort study included patients with achalasia diagnosed at or referred for treatment and monitoring to the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between January 1, 1980, and May 31, 2024. Data analysis was conducted from August 1 to October 31, 2024.

Esophageal Candida infection.

The primary outcomes were the prevalence of esophageal Candida infection and its association with EC development among patients with achalasia. Associations were estimated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards regression models with esophageal Candida infection as a time-varying covariate, adjusting for age at diagnosis and sex.

This study included 234 patients with achalasia (median [IQR] age at diagnosis, 45 [32-63] years; 117 [50%] male), with a median follow-up time of 13 (4-22) years. Esophageal Candida infection was identified in 29 patients (12%), while EC was observed in 24 patients (10%). Esophageal cancer risk analysis was performed for 207 patients with 2 or more consecutive endoscopy follow-up visits (median [IQR] age at diagnosis, 43 [32-60] years; 104 [50%] male). The median (IQR) follow-up time for this subgroup was 16 (9-26) years. Among these patients, esophageal Candida infection was independently associated with an increased risk of EC (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 8.24 [95% CI, 2.97-22.89]). Additionally, age at diagnosis (AHR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10]) and male sex (AHR, 3.34 [95% CI, 1.08-10.36]) were independently associated with EC risk.

This retrospective cohort study found that prior esophageal Candida infection, older age at diagnosis, and male sex were associated with increased risk of EC among patients with achalasia. These findings provide an important rationale for optimizing the monitoring of patients with achalasia.

Recent advancements in endoscopy, including high-definition imaging, virtual chromoendoscopy, and optical magnification, have enhanced our ability to visualize and diagnose certain esophageal diseases. Innovative endoscopic tools and procedures have been developed to broaden the scope of therapeutic options for treating patients with various esophageal conditions. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the esophageal anatomy and major disorders from an endoscopist's perspective and explore recent advances in endoscopic treatment.

This article offers a detailed overview of recent advancements in third space endoscopy (TSE), highlighting key procedures and their clinical applications and outcomes. Clinical TSE started as a treatment for achalasia and was named peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). Outcome data and comparative data of POEM with other treatments were detailed and discussed. This article also explores the indications and outcomes of other TSE procedures, such as G-POEM, Z-POEM, D-POEM, per-rectal endoscopic myotomy, and STER/POET. This article serves as a valuable resource for endoscopists looking to enhance their understanding and stay updated on these advanced TSE procedures.

This American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Update (CPU) aims to review the available evidence and provide expert advice regarding advances in per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

This CPU was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute CPU Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership and underwent internal peer review by the CPU Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Gastroenterology. This review is framed around best practice advice points agreed upon by the authors, based on the current available evidence and expert opinion in this field. Because systematic reviews were not performed, these best practice advice statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. Best Practice Advice Statements BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: Patients evaluated for POEM should undergo a comprehensive diagnostic workup, which includes clinical history and review of medications, upper endoscopy, timed barium esophagram, and high-resolution manometry. Endoscopic functional luminal impedance planimetry can be a useful adjunct test, particularly in cases when diagnosis is equivocal. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2: POEM, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and pneumatic dilation are effective therapies for type I and type II achalasia; the decision between these treatment modalities should be based on shared decision making, taking into account patient and disease characteristics, patient preferences, and local expertise. POEM should be considered the preferred treatment for type III achalasia. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 3: Patients with esophagogastric outflow obstruction alone and/or nonachalasia spastic disorders on manometry should undergo a comprehensive evaluation with correlation of symptoms. Evidence for POEM for these manometric findings are limited and should only be considered on a case-by-case basis after other less invasive approaches have been exhausted. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 4: A single dose of antibiotics at the time of POEM may be sufficient for antibiotic prophylaxis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 5: POEM can be performed via either an anterior or posterior tunnel orientation, with comparable efficacy, safety, and rate of postprocedure reflux between these 2 approaches. Endoscopist's preferences and patient's surgical history, including prior laparoscopic Heller myotomy and/or POEM, should be considered when determining tunnel orientation. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 6: The optimal length of the myotomy in the esophagus and cardia, as it pertains to treatment efficacy and risk for postprocedure reflux, remains to be determined. Adjunct techniques, including real-time intraprocedure functional luminal impedance planimetry, may be considered to tailor or confirm the adequacy of the myotomy. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 7: The clinical impact of routine esophagram or endoscopy immediately post-POEM remains unclear. Testing can be considered based on local practice preferences, and in cases in which intraprocedural events or postprocedural findings warrant further evaluation. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 8: Same-day discharge after POEM can be considered in select patients who meet discharge criteria. Patients with advanced age, significant comorbidities, poor social support, and/or access to specialized care should be considered for hospital admission, irrespective of symptoms. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 9: Pharmacologic acid suppression should be strongly considered in the immediate post-POEM setting, given the increased risk of postprocedure reflux and esophagitis. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 10: All patients should undergo monitoring for gastroesophageal reflux disease after POEM. Patients with persistent esophagitis and/or reflux-like symptoms despite proton pump inhibitor use, should undergo additional testing to evaluate for other etiologies besides pathologic acid exposure and management to optimize and achieve reflux control. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 11: Long-term postprocedure surveillance is encouraged to monitor for progression of disease and complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 12: POEM may be superior to pneumatic dilation for patients with failed initial POEM or laparoscopic Heller myotomy; however, the decision among treatment modalities should be based on shared decision making between the patient and physician, taking into account risk of postprocedural reflux, need for repeat interventions, patient preferences, and local expertise.

Abnormalities in the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in patients with achalasia and the impact of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) on the UES and esophageal body remain uncertain. To outline the prevalence and nature of UES abnormalities across different achalasia subtypes, as well as evaluate POEM's therapeutic efficacy on UES and esophageal body. A retrospective study of patients diagnosed with achalasia between January 2019 and December 2023 was conducted. POEM was performed on all patients, and preoperative and 6-month postoperative high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) data were obtained, along with the Eckardt symptom scores. A total of 64 patients (34 females, 30 males) who underwent POEM for achalasia (type I: 18, type II: 38, type III: 8) during the study period were included. Among the 64 patients, 42 (65.6%) exhibited abnormalities in the UES, as observed on HREM. The majority of those exhibiting abnormalities demonstrated impaired relaxation of the UES (46.9%), followed by a combination of hypertensive basal UES pressure (UESP) and impaired UES relaxation (12.5%). The dysphagia score and Eckardt score before POEM were significantly greater in the UES abnormality group than in the normal UES group (2.3 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.040 and 6.2 ± 1.8 vs. 5.0 ± 1.6, p = 0.008, respectively). UESP and UES relaxation pressure (UESRP) decreased significantly following POEM across all types of achalasia (p < 0.05). All type I patients continued to exhibit no contractility after undergoing POEM. Pan-esophageal pressurization and spastic contractions were absent in patients with type II and type III achalasia following POEM. The high prevalence of UES abnormalities among patients with achalasia may serve as a compensatory mechanism. Patients with type II and III showed partial recovery of peristalsis following POEM.

This is a comprehensive review of intraoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative complications of Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy with a focus on prevention, intraoperative management, and postoperative management.

The landscape of therapeutic endoscopy has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past few decades, carving out a niche that merges innovative technology with advanced clinical practice. As we venture further into the 21st century, the horizon of this field continues to expand, driven by rapid advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of gastrointestinal pathology. This review article aims to shed light on the recent advances and future trajectories of therapeutic endoscopy, focusing on pivotal areas such as third space endoscopy, endoscopic resection techniques, artificial endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and endoscopic anti-reflux therapies.

Achalasia is a rare neurodegenerative disease of the esophagus that causes impaired esophageal peristalsis and the inability of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax. This results in symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. Among the treatment options, Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM), Endoscopic Balloon Dilation (EBD), and Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) are commonly used methods. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and clinical long-term results of LHM and EBD in treating achalasia.

Patient records from Bezmialem Vakıf University Hospital were reviewed, and 36 patients diagnosed with achalasia who underwent LHM and EBD were included in the study. Patients were evaluated using the Pre-operative Eckardt Score (Pre-ES) for preoperative evaluation, the Post-operative Eckardt Score (Post-ES) for postoperative evaluation, the Achalasia Specific Quality of Life (ASQL) questionnaire, and the Patient Satisfaction Scoring (PSS).

The mean age of the 19 patients who underwent LHM was 49.37±10.48 years. The mean age of the 17 patients who underwent EBD was 59.24±14.39 years. Perioperative complications included esophageal mucosal perforation in one patient in the LHM group, bleeding in three patients (17.64%), and esophageal perforation in one patient (5.88%) in the EBD group. At a mean follow-up of 90 months, gastroesophageal reflux developed in two patients (10.53%) in the LHM group and eight patients (47%) in the EBD group. The Pre-ES was similar in both groups. The Post-ES significantly decreased in the LHM group compared to the EBD group. When ASQL and PSS results were analyzed between the LHM and EBD groups, it was concluded that LHM was more effective than EBD in improving the quality of life and providing patient satisfaction (p-value: 0.001).

In light of these findings, it was concluded that LHM is a safer intervention compared to EBD and should be prioritized, considering the low risk of complications, improved quality of life, and high level of satisfaction.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely used in the early neoplasia of the esophagus. However, postoperative esophageal stenosis is a big problem, particularly when a large circumferential proportion of esophageal mucosa is resected. Currently, there are several methods available to prevent esophageal stenosis after ESD, including steroid administration, esophageal stent implantation, and endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD). However, the therapeutic effects of these are not yet satisfactory. Stem cell-based therapies has shown promising potential in reconstructing tissue structure and restoring tissue function. In this study, we discussed the current strategies for preventing esophageal stenosis after ESD and perspectives of stem cell-based therapies for the prevention of esophageal stenosis.

Third space endoscopy (TSE) or sub-mucosal endoscopy using a mucosal flap valve (SEMF) enables the endoscopist to operate in the deeper layers of the gastrointestinal tract or gain access to the mediastinal/peritoneal cavity for natural orifice transoral endoscopic surgery (NOTES). TSE procedures are essentially endoscopic surgical procedures with a variable learning curve. Adverse events (AEs) during TSE are specific and follow a certain pattern across the spectrum of TSE procedures. These can be broadly categorized according to either type of AE, time of presentation relative to the procedure or according to degree of severity. Three major categories of AEs encountered during TSE include insufflation related AEs, mucosal injuries (MIs) and bleeding. Other relevant AEs include infectious complications, aspiration pneumonia, post-procedural chest/abdominal pain, atelectasis, cardiac arrhythmias, pleural effusion and pulmonary embolism. Reported incidence of AEs during TSE procedures varies according to the type and complexity of procedure. Acquaintance regarding potential risk factors, technical tips and precautions, alarm signs for early recognition, assessment of degree of severity, morphological characterization of AEs and finally, expeditious selection of appropriate management strategy are crucial and imperative for successful clinical outcomes. The current review discusses the current evidence and practical guidelines for prevention, early detection and management of TSE-related AEs.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may result in a distended distal esophagus, referred to as a blown-out myotomy (BOM), the relevance of which is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and associated symptoms of BOM after achalasia treatment.