Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses endoscopic technology to treat digestive and swallowing disorders. For many people, POEM can offer long-term relief from achalasia — a disorder which makes it difficult to swallow and consume food. Unlike traditional surgery, peroral endoscopic myotomy does not require incisions outside the body and offers patients a quick recovery.

The University of Chicago Medicine is one of only a few centers in Illinois offering this advanced technique to patients so they can avoid more invasive surgery. Our interventional gastroenterologists at the University of Chicago Medicine Center for Endoscopic Research and Therapeutics (CERT) are highly skilled at using the latest endoscopy technology to improve the lives of patients suffering from difficult-to-treat digestive disorders.

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What is peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)?

Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a minimally invasive procedure for achalasia, a rare disorder in which tight muscles in the esophagus prevent food from reaching the stomach and being digested properly.

Our interventional gastroenterologists are experts in performing POEM and other advanced procedures to help ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Who is a good candidate for peroral endoscopic myotomy?

Candidates for POEM include patients with achalasia who may have symptoms such as chest pain, trouble swallowing, coughing, vomiting and weight loss.

At UChicago Medicine, our experts are skilled at handling complex cases of achalasia and helping patients find relief from their symptoms.

How is peroral endoscopic myotomy different from Heller myotomy?

Both the POEM procedure and a Heller myotomy aim to relax muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter that prevent food from moving through your esophagus to your stomach. Research has shown they are both safe and effective for treating achalasia.

However, the treatments use two different approaches. During POEM, an interventional gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope inserted in the mouth, so there are no incisions on the outside of your body. During a Heller myotomy, the surgeon will typically use a laparoscope, which involves making a few small incisions in the chest or abdomen.

Typically, patients who have a Heller myotomy have a longer recovery than those who have had POEM.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) Procedure

How do I prepare for the POEM procedure?

Before POEM, you’ll need several diagnostic tests to make sure you are a candidate. These may include an upper endoscopy to rule out stomach or esophageal cancer and an esophageal manometry study to measure muscle contractions and confirm that you have achalasia. You will also have an esophagram, which will help your doctor understand how your esophagus moves.

Two days before POEM, you’ll need to follow a clear liquid diet.

What happens during the POEM procedure?

Is having POEM painful? How is the pain treated?

What are the risks and benefits of POEM?

For many people, POEM offers a quick recovery, no scar and a short hospital stay. What’s more, it can help them eat normally again and significantly improve their quality of life.

But like any procedure, there are risks associated with POEM. Although these are rare, risks include leaks, tears or bleeding in the esophagus.

POEM is not recommended for all patients based on their overall health and medical conditions. For patients who are not candidates for POEM, our specialists may recommend other treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections or a Heller myotomy.

Are there any long-term side effects of peroral endoscopic myotomy?

Can achalasia return after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)?

How long does it take to recover from POEM?

What can I eat after POEM? Do I need a special diet?

How often do you need checkups after the POEM procedure?

Meet Our Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Specialist

Uzma D. Siddiqui, MD

Gastroenterology

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Eating Again After Achalasia

Eating and drinking became increasingly difficult for Dorian Brantley. Gastroenterologists diagnosed achalasia — a rare digestive disorder that affects the muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. Brantley had a peroral endoscopic myotomy to correct the problem. Now, she is back to enjoying all her favorite foods again.

Read Dorian's Story