The State of The Art in Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy

Abstract

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy has emerged as the preferred option for treatment of achalasia. This entirely endoscopic procedure has clinical efficacy and lower esophageal sphincter disruption comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy with lesser postprocedure pain and length of stay. This review describes per-oral endoscopic myotomy technique, evolution, patient selection, comparison to other therapies, training, and future considerations, including extrapolation of tunnel endoscopy to other situations.

Keywords: NOTES; POEM; achalasia; endoscopic myotomy; esophageal myotomy.