Outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia and prior bariatric surgery: A multicenter experience

Summary Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in patients with achalasia who are status post bariatric surgery may be technically challenging due to postsurgical scarring and altered anatomy. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of POEM for achalasia in patients with prior bariatric surgery. A review of prospectively maintained databases at three tertiary referral centers from January 2015 to January 2021 was performed. The primary outcome of interest was clinical success, defined as a post-treatment Eckardt score ≤ 3 or improvement in Eckardt score by ≥ 1 when the baseline score was <3, and improvement of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were adverse event rates and symptom recurrence. Sixteen patients status post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 14) and sleeve gastrectomy (n = 2) met inclusion criteria. Indications for POEM were achalasia type I (n = 2), type II (n = 9), and type III (n = 5). POEM was performed either by anterior or posterior approach. The pre-POEM mean integrated relaxation pressure was 26.2 ± 7.6 mm Hg. The mean total myotomy length was 10.2 ± 2.7 cm. The mean length of hospitalization was 1.4 ± 0.7 days. Pre- and postprocedure Eckardt scores were 6.1 ± 2.1 and 1.7 ± 1.8, respectively. The overall clinical success rate was 93.8% (15/16) with mean follow-up duration of 15.5 months. One patient had esophageal leak on postprocedure esophagram and managed endoscopically. Dysphagia recurred in two patients, which was successfully managed with pneumatic dilation with or without botulinum toxin injection. POEM appears to be safe and effective in the management of patients with achalasia who have undergone prior bariatric surgery.

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Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) vs pneumatic dilation (PD) in treatment of achalasia: A meta-analysis of studies with ≥ 12-month follow-up

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-1483-9406 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 09 (07) ◽

pp. E1097-E1107

Author(s):

Andrew Ofosu ◽

Babu P. Mohan ◽

Yervant Ichkhanian ◽

Maen Masadeh ◽

John Febin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Success ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Balloon Dilation ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Pneumatic Dilation ◽

Type I ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

Abstract Background and study aims Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly being used as the preferred treatment option for achalasia. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of POEM versus pneumatic balloon dilation (PD). Methods We performed a comprehensive review of studies that reported clinical outcomes of POEM and PD for the treatment of achalasia. Measured outcomes included clinical success (improvement of symptoms based on a validated scale including an Eckardt score ≤ 3), adverse events, and post-treatment gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Results Sixty-six studies (6268 patients) were included in the final analysis, of which 29 studies (2919 patients) reported on POEM and 33 studies (3050 patients) reported on PD and 4 studies (299 patients) compared POEM versus PD. Clinical success with POEM was superior to PD at 12, 24, and 36 months (92.9 %, vs 76.9 % P = 0.001; 90.6 % vs 74.8 %, P = 0.004; 88.4 % vs 72.2 %, P = 0.006, respectively). POEM was superior to PD in type I, II and III achalasia (92.7 % vs 61 %, P = 0.01; 92.3 % vs 80.3 %, P = 0.01; 92.3 %v 41.9 %, P = 0.01 respectively)Pooled OR of clinical success at 12 and 24 months were significantly higher with POEM (8.97; P = 0.001 & 5.64; P = 0.006). Pooled OR of GERD was significantly higher with POEM (by symptoms: 2.95, P = 0.02 and by endoscopic findings: 6.98, P = 0.001). Rates of esophageal perforation (0.3 % vs 0.6 %, P = 0.8) and significant bleeding (0.4 % vs 0.7 %, P = 0.56) were comparable between POEM and PD groups. Conclusions POEM is more efficacious than PD in the treatment of patients with achalasia during short-term and long-term follow-up, albeit with higher risk of abnormal esophageal acid exposure.

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Management of Patients after Failed Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy: a Multicenter Study

Endoscopy ◽

10.1055/a-1312-0496 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yervant Ichkhanian ◽

Daniella Assis ◽

Pietro Familiari ◽

Michael B Ujiki ◽

Baily Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Success ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Pneumatic Dilation ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Excellent Safety Profile ◽

International Multicenter

Background and Aims: Although Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is highly effective for the management of achalasia, clinical failures may occur. The optimal management of patients who fail POEM is not well known. This study aims to compare the outcomes of different management strategies in patients who had failed POEM. Patients and Methods: This is an international, multicenter, retrospective study at 16 tertiary centers between 1/2012 and 11/2019. All patients who underwent POEM and experienced persistent or recurrent symptoms (Eckardt score (ES) > 3) were included. The primary outcome was to compare the rate of clinical success (ES ≤ 3) between different management strategies. Results: A total of 99 patients (50 (50.5%) males, mean age 51.4 (16.2) yrs.) experienced clinical failure during the study period with a mean ES of 5.5 (0.2). A total of 29 (32.2%) patients were managed conservatively and 70 (71%) underwent re-treatment [repeat POEM 33 (33%), pneumatic dilation (PD) 30 (30%), and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) 7 (7.1%)]. During a median follow-up of 10 (IQR: 3-20) months, clinical success was highest in patients who underwent repeat POEM (25/33 (76%), mean ES 2.1 (2.1)), followed by PD (18/30 (60%), mean ES 2.8 (2.3)), and LHM (2/7 (29%), 4 (1.8)) (p=0.12). A total of 11 (37.9%, mean ES 4 (1.8)) patients in the conservative achieved clinical success. Conclusion: This study comprehensively assessed an international cohort of patients who underwent management of failed POEM. Repeat POEM and PD achieved acceptable clinical success with excellent safety profile.

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The Effect of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Achalasia Patients with Prior Endoscopic Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Digestive Surgery ◽

10.1159/000512627 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Chunyu Zhong ◽

Bowen Ni ◽

Sixiu Liu ◽

Shali Tan ◽

Muhan Lü ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Clinical Success Rate ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Technical Success ◽

Endoscopic Intervention ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been reported to be effective in achalasia patients with prior failed endoscopic intervention (PFI). We performed this meta-analysis to compare and summarize the clinical outcome of POEM in patients with or without prior endoscopic intervention. Method: We searched relevant studies published up to March 2020. Meta-analysis for technical success, clinical success, Eckardt score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, clinical reflux, and adverse event were conducted based on a random-effects model. Results: Eight studies enrolling 1,797 patients who underwent POEM were enrolled, including 1,128 naïve achalasia patients and 669 patients with PFI. In the PFI group, the pooled estimated rate of technical success was 97.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.8–98.8%), the pooled clinical success rate was 91.0% (95% CI, 88.0–93.4%), and the pooled adverse events rate was 23.5% (95% CI, 10.6–44.1%). The Eckardt score significantly decreased by 5.95 points (95% CI, 5.50–6.40, p < 0.00001) and the LES pressure significantly reduced by 19.74 mm Hg (95% CI, 14.10–25.39, p < 0.00001) in the PFI group. There were no difference in the technical success, clinical success, and adverse events rate between the treatment-naïve group and PFI group, with a risk ratio of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.99–1.01, p = 0.89), 1.02 (95% CI, 0.98–1.06, p = 0.36), and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.67–1.16, p = 0.38), respectively. Conclusions: POEM is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia patients with prior endoscopic intervention. Randomized clinical trials are needed to further verify the efficiency and safety of the POEM in those patients.

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Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy

Endoscopy ◽

10.1055/a-0656-5530 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 51 (04) ◽

pp. 342-345 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Omid Sanaei ◽

Peter Draganov ◽

Rastislav Kunda ◽

Dennis Yang ◽

Mouen Khashab

Keyword(s):

Gastric Bypass ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Tunnel Length ◽

Submucosal Tunnel ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Exposure Testing ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background The outcome of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in patients with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is not known and some experts have recommended against its performance in this patient population because of the risk of postoperative regurgitation. The aim of this study was to report on the outcomes of POEM in patients with RYGB anatomy. Methods Patients with RYGB anatomy who underwent POEM for the treatment of achalasia at three tertiary centers were included. POEM was performed in standard fashion using the anterior or posterior approach. Clinical response was defined by a decrease in Eckardt score to ≤ 3. Results of esophageal acid exposure testing/pH-impedance and manometric testing after POEM were reported when available. Results A total of 10 achalasia patients with prior RYGB surgery underwent POEM. All procedures were technically successful with anterior myotomy performed in seven patients. The mean submucosal tunnel length and myotomy length were 12.9 cm and 11.1 cm, respectively. The mean procedure time was 72 minutes and mean length of hospital stay was 1.5 days. Clinical success was achieved in all 10 patients with a significant decrease in Eckardt score from 6.5 to 1 (P < 0.001). None of the patients experienced post-procedural regurgitation. Post-procedural pH testing was obtained in six patients and was normal in all of them. Conclusions This study suggests the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of POEM in patients with prior RYGB surgery. The risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease in these patients seems to be minimal after POEM.

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One-year results of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for refractory gastroparesis: a French multicenter study

Endoscopy ◽

10.1055/a-1205-5686 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Olivier Ragi ◽

Jérémie Jacques ◽

Julien Branche ◽

Sarah Leblanc ◽

Geoffroy Vanbiervliet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Success Rate ◽

Multicenter Study ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Clinical Success Rate ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Gastric Retention ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Cardinal Symptom

Abstract Background: Data on the long-term outcomes of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) for refractory gastroparesis are lacking. We report the results of a large multicenter long-term follow-up study of G-POEM for refractory gastroparesis. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study of all G-POEM operations performed in seven expert French centers for refractory gastroparesis with at least 1 year of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the 1-year clinical success rate, defined as at least a 1-point improvement in the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). Results: 76 patients were included (60.5 % women; age 56 years). The median symptom duration was 48 months. The median gastric retention at 4 hours (H4) before G-POEM was 45 % (interquartile range [IQR] 29 % – 67 %). The median GCSI before G-POEM was 3.6 (IQR 2.8 – 4.0). Clinical success was achieved in 65.8 % of the patients at 1 year, with a median rate of reduction in the GCSI score of 41 %. In logistic regression analysis, only a high preoperative GCSI satiety subscale score was predictive of clinical success (odds ratio [OR] 3.41, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.01 – 11.54; P = 0.048), while a high rate of gastric retention at H4 was significantly associated with clinical failure (OR 0.97, 95 %CI 0.95 – 1.00; P = 0.03). Conclusions: The results confirm the efficacy of G-POEM for the treatment of refractory gastroparesis, as evidenced by a 65.8 % clinical success rate at 1 year. Although G-POEM is promising, prospective sham-controlled trials are urgently needed to confirm its efficacy and identify the patient populations who will benefit most from this procedure.

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Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus pneumatic dilation – result from a retrospective study with 1-year follow-up

Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie ◽

10.1055/a-0821-7232 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 57 (03) ◽

pp. 304-311 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Zhongqing Zheng ◽

Chunshan Zhao ◽

Shuai Su ◽

Xiaofei Fan ◽

Wei Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Data ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Type I ◽

Exact Test ◽

Fisher's Exact Test ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Reflux Symptoms ◽

Fisher’S Exact Test ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

Abstract Background and aims On the basis of lesser rates of major adverse events and a short-term efficacy as Heller’s myotomy, there is a growing enthusiasm in favor of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), whereas study comparing POEM and pneumatic dilatation (PD) is quite rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of POEM and PD in Chinese achalasia patients in a retrospectively designed study. Methods Patients with achalasia, who underwent either PD (n = 26) or POEM (n = 40) were retrospectively recruited from September 2010 through March 2016 at a single tertiary center. During the 1-year follow-up, clinical outcome and functional data of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) were recruited. Clinical symptoms were assessed by use of the Eckardt score. The primary outcome was therapeutic success (Eckardt score ≤ 3). Functional data of LES (4-second integrated relaxation pressure [4s-IRP], LES relax rate, and LESP) at baseline and 1 month after treatment were also evaluated. Data was analyzed by SPSS 13.0 version using a significance level of p < 0.05. Results The success rates were 24/26 (92.31 %), 25/26 (96.15 %), and 24/26 (92.31 %), respectively, with POEM, as compared with 35/40 (87.50 %), 29/40 (72.50 %), and 23/40 (57.50 %), respectively, with PD, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment. Statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 therapies (at 3 months, Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.01; at 1 year, Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.0001). Compared with PD, the Eckardt score was lower with POEM 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment. More patients in POEM group reported gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (after 3 months 7/26 (26.92 %) vs. 2/40 (5.00 %), Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.01; after 1 year 6/26 (19.23 %) vs. 1/35 (2.86 %), Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.02). The postoperative 4s-IRP and LESP were both lower with POEM than with PD, respectively. Type I achalasia had a better response with POEM than with PD. Conclusion In this retrospective analysis with 1-year follow-up, POEM presents with a higher success rate and more reflux symptoms compared with PD. Change on LES function after treatment may explain the outcome in part. Type I achalasia may respond better to therapies compared with type II.

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Outcomes of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy After Previously Failed Botulinum Toxin Injection and/or Pneumatic Dilation

The American Journal of Gastroenterology ◽

10.14309/00000434-201710001-00813 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 112 ◽

pp. S453

Author(s):

Sarah Z. Maher ◽

Jayakrishna Chintanaboina ◽

Eric Pauli ◽

Jennifer L. Maranki ◽

Abraham Mathew

Keyword(s):

Botulinum Toxin ◽

Botulinum Toxin Injection ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Pneumatic Dilation ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

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Advanced achalasia: good candidate for peroral endoscopic myotomy

Diseases of the Esophagus ◽

10.1093/dote/doaa097 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shaotian Qiu ◽

Ningli Chai ◽

Yaqi Zhai ◽

Xiangyao Wang ◽

Yan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Technical Success ◽

Technical Success Rate ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Favorable Safety

SUMMARY Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly accepted as the first-line treatment of achalasia. However, laparoscopic Heller myotomy or esophagectomy still remains as the mainstay treatment for advanced achalasia featured with megaesophagus and/or sigmoid-shaped esophagus. Although the efficacy of POEM for advanced achalasia with sigmoid-shaped esophagus has been described, little is known about the role of POEM for patients with megaesophagus. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM for advanced achalasia with megaesophagus. Patients who received initial examinations and underwent POEM in our hospital from June 2013 to December 2018 were identified and data were retrospectively analyzed. The advanced achalasia was defined as megaesophagus with a diameter of ≥6 cm. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success and adverse events. A total of 112 patients (50 females, 44.6%) were included with a mean age of 44.8 years. The median symptom duration was 6.5 years (IQR:3.0–13.0 years). Modified POEM techniques were used in 27.7% (31/112) of patients. Technical success rate was 99.1% (112/113) per procedure. Clinical success was seen in 93.1% patients with median Eckardt score decreasing from 8.0 to 1.0 (P < 0.001) during a median 31.0 months of follow-up. The mean LES pressure decreased from 29.5 mmHg to 14.2 mmHg after POEM (P < 0.05). Procedure-related adverse events occurred in 8.9% patients. Reflux disease was observed postoperatively in 26.7% of patients. POEM is also indicated for patients with advanced achalasia with a favorable safety and efficacy.

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Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia in Portugal: Outcomes of the First Prospective Series

GE Portuguese Journal of Gastroenterology ◽

10.1159/000511528 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Rui Mendo ◽

Pedro Barreiro ◽

José Rodrigues ◽

Catarina Félix ◽

Catarina O'Neill ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Successful Outcome ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Procedure Time ◽

Short Term ◽

Invasive Treatment ◽

Eckardt Score ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an innovative achalasia treatment procedure that involves myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter through a submucosal tunneling approach, combining the efficacy of surgical myotomy with the benefit of being a less invasive treatment. At this time, no data are available of POEM in Portugal. This study aimed to examine the safety and short-term outcomes of POEM in a Portuguese center. Methods: Fifty POEM were performed on 49 consecutive patients at our institution between January 2017 and January 2020. A prospective study of a consecutive series of patients was conducted, including procedure time, myotomy location and length, adverse events and clinical success. An Eckardt score of ≤3 after POEM was deemed as a successful outcome. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was evaluated based on symptoms and on upper endoscopy, which was performed at 3–6 months postoperatively to check for reflux esophagitis. Results: POEM was successfully completed in all cases: 70% (n = 35) were naïve and 30% (n = 15) had previous treatments. The mean procedure time was 73.4 ± 22.6 min (range 45–125 min). There were no major adverse events. Minor adverse events were rare (8%), and there was no perioperative mortality. The Eckardt score significantly decreased from 6.9 ± 2.4 preoperatively to 0.5 ± 1.0 postoperatively (p < 0.05). Overall clinical success was documented in 98, 98 and 95.2% at 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively. These short-term outcomes after POEM were independent of previous treatments. Symptomatic GERD was seen in 22.4% of patients. Conclusions: Our results confirm the safety and excellent short-term efficacy of POEM in a Portuguese center. This supports POEM as one of the first-line achalasia therapies in Portugal when performed by experienced operators.

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Outcomes of anterior versus posterior peroral endoscopic myotomy 2 years post-procedure: prospective follow-up results from a randomized clinical trial

Endoscopy ◽

10.1055/a-1204-4242 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yervant Ichkhanian ◽

Jad P. Abimansour ◽

Mathieu Pioche ◽

Kia Vosoughi ◽

Nicholas Eleftheriadis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Posterior Approach ◽

Clinical Success ◽

Clinical Success Rate ◽

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy ◽

Primary Treatment Modality ◽

Posterior Group ◽

Endoscopic Myotomy

Abstract Background Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is considered a primary treatment modality for achalasia. It can be performed using either the anterior or posterior approach. A previous randomized clinical trial (RCT) showed that the posterior approach was noninferior to the anterior approach at 1 year post-POEM in terms of clinical success, rate of adverse event, and risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this post-RCT study was to compare outcomes at ≥ 2 years post-POEM. Methods Patients who previously completed the 1-year follow-up were contacted and their Eckardt, dysphagia, and GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) scores and frequency of proton pump inhibitor use were recorded. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score < 3. Results 150 patients were initially randomized and 138 completed the 1-year follow-up. Of the 138, 111 (anterior group 54, posterior group 57) also completed ≥ 2 years of follow-up, with an overall clinical success decrease from 89 % to 82 %. At ≥ 2 years post-POEM, clinical success was achieved in 46/54 (85 %) and 45/57 (79 %) in the anterior and posterior groups, respectively (P = 0.43). A similar decrease in clinical success was noted in both groups at ≥ 2 years (anterior: 90 % to 85 %; posterior 89 % to 79 %; P = 0.47). GERDQ score was 6 (interquartile range 6 – 8; P = 0.08) in both treatment groups. Conclusions The anterior and posterior POEM techniques remained equally effective at 2 years and decreases in efficacy were similar between the two approaches over time. GERD outcomes were also similar in both groups during medium-term follow-up.

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