Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-7 | Issue-04 | 218-223
Original Research Article
Endoscopic Per Oral Myotomy in the Treatment of Achalasia: Initial Experience on 7 Patients in a Morocco Center
Mouna Figuigui, Nada. Lahmidani, Hajar Cherkaoui, Mohammed. El Abkari, Sidi Adil. Ibrahimi, Dafr-Allah. Benajah
Published : April 29, 2022
Abstract
Endoscopic per-oral myotomy (POEM) is innovative an endoscopic technique for treatement of achalasia. This new technique has recently introduced in Morocco. It was performed on 7 patients at our institution. We collected patients data, the duration of the procedure, the location of the myotomy and patients follow-up. Results: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy was successfully performed in all patients, with adverse events observed in only one patient. Two months after POEM, significant reductions in symptom scores (Eckhardt Score 7.5vs 3) and this persisted at 3 years after POEM. Gastroesophageal reflux was observed in 16.8% of patients at 1 month and 21.3% at 3 years of follow-up. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy was successfully performed in all cases. Complications were rare (1.4%) and there was no mortality. Significant improvements in Eckhardt score were observed at 2 months, 1 year after POEM. Conclusions: Based on our series, POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia, there are relatively few contraindications, and the procedure can be used as first- or second-line treatment.