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World J Gastrointest Endosc. Sep 16, 2013; 5(9): 420-427
Published online Sep 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i9.420
Published online Sep 16, 2013. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v5.i9.420
Per-oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: An American perspective
David Friedel, Rani Modayil, Shahzad Iqbal, James H Grendell, Stavros N Stavropoulos, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, United States
Author contributions: Friedel D and Modayil R contributed to manuscript preparation; Iqbal S contributed to editor of illustrations; Grendell JH contributed to manuscript editorial overview; Stavropoulos SN contributed to manuscript informational source.
Correspondence to: David Friedel, Associate Professor of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Winthrop University Hospital, 222 Station Plaza North Suite 429 Mineola, NY 11501, United States. dfriedel@winthrop.org
Telephone: +1-516-6638977 Fax: +1-516-6634617
Received: April 14, 2013
Revised: August 1, 2013
Accepted: August 4, 2013
Published online: September 16, 2013
Revised: August 1, 2013
Accepted: August 4, 2013
Published online: September 16, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that duplicates results of the surgical Heller myotomy. This innovative technique has been performed by both gastroenterologists and surgeons. POEM has been shown to be safe and effective in patients with classic achalasia and modest follow-up data. POEM has also been successfully applied in patients with hypertensive esophageal motor disorders as well as end-stage achalasia. It is recommended that prior to performing POEM, operators should have experience in endoscopic submucosal dissection or substantial training in animal models.