Effect of peroral endoscopic myotomy on esophagogastric junction physiology in patients with achalasia

Utility of Intraprocedural Luminal Diameter and Distensibility Measurements During the Esophageal Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Procedure

GOALS

Through evaluation of the lower esophageal sphincter immediately before and after myotomy using an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EFLIP), our study aimed to determine the clinical response to peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and the incidence of postprocedure reflux.

BACKGROUND

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and diminished peristalsis. POEM is a therapeutic option for durable management of achalasia. However, symptomatic acid reflux and esophagitis are well-known adverse effects of the procedure.

STUDY

Electronic medical records of 168 patients who underwent POEM for achalasia at 2 tertiary care referral centers from May 2014 to May 2021 were reviewed. EFLIP was used at a range of catheter fill volumes to assess LES dynamics. Preprocedure and postprocedure Eckardt Symptom Scores were recorded.

RESULTS

Significant clinical improvement from POEM was sustained in over 94% of patients after 1 year. EFLIP changed intraprocedural management 5% of the time by means of myotomy extension. In patients with reflux>1 year following POEM, there was no significant difference in post-POEM LES diameter or change in LES diameter compared with those without reflux. However, post-POEM LES distensibility index (DI) was significantly higher in patients with reflux after 1 year compared with those without reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is a safe and increasingly effective therapy for patients with symptomatic achalasia. Intraprocedural EFLIP measurements suggest that post-POEM reflux may be correlated more with DI than LES diameter. Yet, more data is needed to substantiate these outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) in Achalasia: An Updated Meta-analysis

Background: Heller myotomy has been considered the standard surgical treatment for patients with achalasia. Since the initiation of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), it has represented an alternative for treating patients with achalasia. Over the years, numerous prospective and retrospective studies with POEM use for achalasia have been published. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM in patients with achalasia. Methods: Publications investigating the safety and efficacy of POEM in patients with achalasia were searched in Medline, Ovid Journals, Medline non-indexed citations, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews. Pooling was conducted by both fixed and random effects models. Results: The initial search identified 328 reference articles; of these, 34 relevant articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from 20 studies (n=1753) which met the inclusion criteria. In pooled analysis, the clinical success of POEM at 3 months was 94% (95% CI=93-95). The pooled clinical success of POEM at 12 months was 91% (95% CI=90-92). The pooled rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was 21% (95% CI=19-23), esophagitis was reported in 16% (95% CI=15-18), pneumomediastinum in 4% (95% CI=3-6), cervical emphysema in 12% (95% CI=10-13), pneumoperitoneum in 8% (95% CI=7-10), pneumothorax in 5% (95% CI=4 - 6), pleural effusion in 3% (95% CI=2-3), post-operative bleeding in 4.29% (95% CI=1.91 -7.61) and aspiration pneumonia in 3.08% (95% CI=1.13-5.97) of the patients after POEM. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that POEM is a highly effective and safe endoscopic treatment for patients with achalasia and a reasonable alternative to Heller myotomy.

Clinical and financial outcomes of per-oral endoscopic myotomy compared to laparoscopic heller myotomy for treatment of achalasia

BACKGROUND

Previous studies analyzing short-term outcomes for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) have shown excellent clinical response rates and shorter operative times compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). Despite this, many payors have been slow to recognize POEM as a valid treatment option. Furthermore, comparative studies analyzing long-term outcomes are limited. This study compares perioperative and long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and reimbursement for POEM and LHM at a single institution.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent POEM or LHM between 2014 and 2021 and had complete preoperative data with at least one complete follow up, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, success rate, operative time, myotomy length, length of stay, pre- and postoperative symptom scores, anti-reflux medication use, cost and reimbursement were compared.

RESULTS

58 patients met inclusion with 25 undergoing LHM and 33 undergoing POEM. There were no significant differences in preoperative characteristics. Treatment success (Eckardt ≤ 3) for POEM and LHM was achieved by 88% and 76% of patients, respectively (p = 0.302). POEM patients had a shorter median operative time (106 min. vs. 145 min., p = 0.003) and longer median myotomy length (11 cm vs. 8 cm, p < 0.001). All LHM patients had a length of stay (LOS) ≥ 1 day vs. 51.5% for POEM patients (p < 0.001). Both groups showed improvements in dysphagia, heartburn, regurgitation, Eckardt score, GERD HRQL, RSI, and anti-reflux medication use. The improvement in dysphagia score was greater in patients undergoing POEM (2.30 vs 1.12, p = 0.003). Median hospital reimbursement was dramatically less for POEM ($3,658 vs. $14,152, p = 0.002), despite median hospital costs being significantly lower compared to LHM ($2,420 vs. $3,132, p = 0.029).

RESULTS

POEM is associated with a shorter operative time and LOS, longer myotomy length, and greater resolution of dysphagia compared to LHM. POEM costs are significantly less than LHM but is poorly reimbursed.

Nonachalasic esophageal motor disorders, from diagnosis to therapy

INTRODUCTION

Investigations conducted using conventional manometry and, recently, using high-resolution manometry (HRM), allowed us to explore the field of esophageal motility and understand the potential link between motor features and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) pathogenesis. The management of patients with nonachalasic esophageal motor disorders is often challenging, due to the clinical heterogeneous presentation and the multifactorial nature of the mechanisms underlying symptoms.

AREAS COVERED

Several studies, carried out using HRM, have better interpreted the esophageal motor function in patients with esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO), distal esophageal spasm (DES), hypertensive esophagus, and hypomotility disorders. Moreover, HRM studies have shown a direct correlation between reduced esophageal motility, disruption of the esophagogastric junction, and gastroesophageal reflux burden.

EXPERT OPINION

Pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of nonachalasic esophageal motor disorders still represent a challenging area, requiring future evaluation by multicenter outcome studies carried out in a large cohort of patients and asymptomatic subjects. However, we believe that an accurate clinical, endoscopic, and HRM evaluation is, nowadays, helpful in addressing patients with nonachalasic esophageal motor disorders to optimal treatment options.

Predictors of Abnormal Functional Luminal Impedance Planimetry Findings in Non-mechanical Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction

BACKGROUND

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a common but nonspecific motility pattern identified by esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM). Functional luminal impedance planimetry (FLIP) provides information regarding lower esophageal sphincter (LES) mechanics, which can identify achalasia spectrum disorders and is useful in evaluating EGJOO. However, the relationship between HRM and FLIP parameters in EGJOO is not clearly defined.

AIMS

To identify predictors of abnormal FLIP findings in patients with non-mechanical EGJOO.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with non-mechanical EGJOO who underwent FLIP between 10/1/16 and 7/1/19. Demographic data including age and gender, examination indication, concomitant medications, HRM parameters, symptom burden, and FLIP metrics of diameter and distensibility index (DI) were collected. DI was categorized as not low (DI > 2.8), borderline low (DI 1.1-2.8), and definitely low (DI ≤ 1). Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to assess the relationship between HRM and FLIP parameters and to identify predictors of abnormal FLIP.

RESULTS

Among the 44 patients studied, most were female (n = 33, 75%) and the median age was 63. The median IRP was 18.2, and 10 (23%) patients used chronic narcotics. Lower total heartburn and regurgitation scores, and LES diameter by FLIP are associated with definitely low DI.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-mechanical EGJOO, reflux burden scores and FLIP diameters can aid in predicting DI. These results may provide useful adjunctive data to help in differentiating which patients have meaningful outflow obstruction.

Prospective evaluation of the efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic alternative to surgical myotomy in patients with achalasia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of POEM.A total of 20 patients with achalasia who underwent POEM between October 2016 and November 2017 were prospectively recruited. The intraoperative esophagogastric junction distensibility index (mm2/mm Hg) was measured pre- and post-myotomy using an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe. Clinical response was defined as Eckardt score ≤3. Health-related quality of life was measured by the 36-item short-form health survey score.POEM was successfully completed in all cases. The median procedure time was 68.5 minutes (range 50.0-120.0), and the median myotomy length was 13 cm (range 11-18). Major adverse events were encountered in 2 cases. Overall, clinical responses were observed in all patients during a median follow-up of 11.9 months (range 1.2-26.2). Postoperative esophagogastric junction distensibility index was significantly higher than baseline (from 1.3 [range 0.8-6.9] to 6.3 [range 25-19.2], P < .001). The median Eckardt scores were decreased after POEM (5 [range 2-11] to 1 [range 0-3], P < .001), and the 36-item short-form health survey score was also improved significantly after POEM (67.5 [range 34.5-93.9] to 85.7 [range 53.4-93.3], P = .004).POEM is an effective treatment for achalasia, based on the improvement of both symptoms and objective measures.Clinicaltrial.gov NCT02989883.

Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis of the Most Influential Publications in Achalasia Research from 1995 to 2020

OBJECTIVE

To identify and evaluate characteristics of the most influential articles in achalasia research during the period 1995-2020.

METHODS

Articles in Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and PubMed were scanned from 1995 to 2020 with achalasia as the keyword. We retrieved the articles that met all criteria by descending order after using EndNote to remove the duplicated references. Our bibliometric analysis highlighted publication year, country, journals, and networks of keywords.

RESULTS

Fifteen percent of the top 100 most-cited articles were published in Annals of Surgery. They were performed in 15 countries, and most (n = 55) were from the USA. The number of citations of the 482 articles ranged from 30 to 953, 38 of which had been published in American Journal of Gastroenterology. Those articles were from 31 countries, and most of the studies (n = 217) had been performed in the USA. Most of articles (n = 335) were clinical research. Treatments were hotspots in the field of achalasia in the past years. The most influential title words were "achalasia," "esophagomyotomy," "pneumatic dilation," and "lower esophageal sphincter."

CONCLUSION

Our study offers a historical perspective on the progress of achalasia research and identified the most significant evolution in this field. Results showed treatment was the most influence aspect in achalasia.

Clinical utility of cricopharyngeal distensibility measurements during endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy (FECM) allows minimally invasive treatment of patients with Zenker's diverticulum (ZD); however, retreatment rates are substantial. We hypothesized that the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) may provide insight into ZD pathophysiology and serve as an intraprocedural guide to adequacy of myotomy.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 11 ZD patients undergoing FECM and compared the baseline cricopharyngeal (CP) distensibility with 16 control subjects. Intraprocedural CP distensibility was measured immediately pre- and postmyotomy. The CP distensibility index (CP-DI) was defined as a ratio of the narrowest cross-sectional area (nCSA) and the corresponding intrabag pressure at 40 mL distension. Same-procedure myotomy extension was undertaken in a subgroup if threshold distensibility changes were not met.

RESULTS

ZD patients had reduced baseline nCSA and CP-DI compared with control subjects, (169.6 vs 227.5 mm² [P < .001] and 3.8 vs 7.6 mm²/mm Hg [P < .001], respectively). After CP myotomy, both nCSA and CP-DI increased significantly by an average of 74.2 mm² (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.1-113.3; P = .002) and 2.2 mm²/mm Hg (95% CI, .6-3.8; P = .01), respectively. In the subgroup with no significant change in CP distensibility after initial myotomy (n = 6), myotomy extension resulted in significant increases in both mean nCSA and CP-DI of 66.6 mm² (95% CI, 16.4-116.8; P = .03) and 1.9 mm²/mm Hg (95% CI, .4-3.3; P = .015), respectively. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

CP distensibility is reduced in ZD patients and is partially reversible by FECM. An intraprocedural FLIP CP distensibility measurement is safe and sensitive in detecting myotomy-induced changes. These findings support using FLIP to optimize FECM outcome. Further studies are required to derive precise metrics predictive of clinical response.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Motility Disorders

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the most clinically successful tunnel-based minimally invasive endoscopic treatments. The classic indications of POEM include achalasia of all types, including failed prior treatments, and expanded indications include the non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders, such as esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, diffuse esophageal spasm, and jackhammer esophagus. For achalasia treatment, POEM has achieved a comparable surgical efficacy and a safety outcome and, therefore, has emerged as a first-line treatment. For non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders, POEM has also shown high clinical response rates. The complication rate of POEM for esophageal motility disorders is low and most complications are managed with conservative treatment. Currently, POEM is a representative procedure of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, which has shown a good clinical efficacy with low complication rates for esophageal motility disorders including achalasia. However, further studies are needed to treat non-achalasia motility disorder via POEM.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy as a Novel Treatment for Achalasia: Patient Selection and Perspectives

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. There is no cure for achalasia and all the current treatments are aimed at palliation of symptoms by reducing the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Currently, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) with partial fundoplication is considered the most effective and durable treatment option owing to its superiority over other treatments such as pneumatic dilation. Advancements in interventional endoscopy led to a novel minimally invasive endoscopic alternative to LHM, namely peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In the last decade since its inception, POEM expanded rapidly throughout the world due to excellent safety profile and its efficacy comparable to LHM. The main drawback of POEM is gastroesophageal reflux disease since it is not combined with an anti-reflux procedure. The current review focuses on the indications, contraindications, technique, outcomes of POEM in various patient populations, and complications along with its effectiveness in comparison to LHM and pneumatic dilation.

Use of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe in Clinical Esophagology

The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) measures luminal dimensions using impedance planimetry, performed most often during sedated upper endoscopy. Mechanical properties of the esophageal wall and opening dynamics of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) can be objectively evaluated in esophageal motor disorders, eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal strictures, during esophageal surgery and in postsurgical symptomatic states. Distensibility index, the ratio of EGJ cross sectional area to intraballoon pressure, is the most useful FLIP metric. Secondary peristalsis from balloon distension can be displayed topographically as repetitive anterograde or retrograde contractile activity in the esophageal body, similar to high-resolution manometry. Real-time interpretation and postprocessing of FLIP metadata can complement the identification of esophageal outflow obstruction and achalasia, especially when findings are inconclusive from alternate esophageal tests in symptomatic patients. FLIP can complement the diagnosis of achalasia when manometry and barium studies are inconclusive or negative in patients with typical symptoms. FLIP can direct adequacy of disruption of the EGJ in achalasia when used during and immediately after myotomy and pneumatic dilation. Lumen diameter measured using FLIP in eosinophilic esophagitis and in complex strictures can potentially guide management. An abbreviated modification of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was used to determine the quality of available evidence and recommendations regarding FLIP utilization. FLIP metrics that are diagnostic or suggestive of an abnormal motor pattern and metrics that define normal esophageal physiology were developed by consensus and are described in this review.

Esophageal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (FLIP): How Can FLIP Enhance Your Clinical Practice?

Recent innovations in esophageal diagnostic testing have enhanced gastroenterology clinical practice by facilitating more nuanced and advanced evaluation of esophageal symptoms. Among these pivotal advances is the FDA-approved functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP), which utilizes impedance planimetry via volumetric distension of a catheter-mounted balloon at the time of sedated upper endoscopy, to acquire esophageal dimensions and pressures. In real time, FLIP can display cross-sectional areas (CSA) and distensibility indices (ratios of CSA to intra-balloon pressures) throughout the esophagus, most notably at the esophagogastric junction, as well as secondary peristaltic esophageal body contractile patterns. As the use of FLIP has progressively spread and permeated into the practice of clinical gastroenterology since its introduction, increasing data on and experiences with its applications have accumulated to guide its utility in clinical practice. In this current review developed for gastroenterologists and foregut surgeons across clinical practice, we provide an introduction to FLIP technology and metrics and discuss the clinical scenarios in which performance of or referral for FLIP may be helpful in the evaluation and management of patients with commonly encountered esophageal symptoms and disorders. Specifically, we discuss the potential applications and limitations of FLIP as a complementary diagnostic modality in patients with non-obstructive dysphagia, established or suspected achalasia spectrum disorders, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and those undergoing esophageal surgery.

The use of impedance planimetry (Endoscopic Functional Lumen Imaging Probe, EndoFLIP® ) in the gastrointestinal tract: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The EndoFLIP® system is a method of delineating impedance and was first designed to investigate the characteristics of the esophago-gastric junction. In the last decade, its use was widened to investigate other sphincteric and non-sphincteric systems of the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of the present systematic review was to summarize the available data in literature on the use of the EndoFLIP® system in the gastrointestinal tract, including sphincteric and non-sphincteric regions. We performed a systematic review in accordance with recommendations for systematic review using PRISMA guidelines without date restriction, until June 2020, using MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Only articles written in English were included in the present review. Five hundred and six unique citations were identified from all database combined. Of those, 95 met the inclusion criteria. There was a lack of standardization among studies in terms of anesthetic drugs use, probe placement, and inflation protocol. In most cases, only small cohorts of patients were included. Most studies investigated the EGJ, with a potential use of the EndoFLIP® to identify a subgroup of patients with achalasia and for intraoperative assessment of treatment efficacy in achalasia. However, the use of EndoFLIP® in the esophageal body (esophageal panometry), other esophageal diseases (gastro-esophageal reflux disease, eosinophilic esophagitis), and other sphincter regions (anal canal, pylorus) will need further confirmatory studies. The EndoFLIP® system provides detailed geometric data of the gastrointestinal lumen but further works are needed to determine its use in clinical practice.

Impedance in the evaluation of the esophagus

The aim of this paper is to review esophageal electrical impedance technologies and to discuss the use of these technologies for physiological measurements, diagnostics, and therapy of esophageal disease. In order to develop a better understanding of the pathophysiology of and improve the diagnosis of esophageal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and achalasia, several new diagnostic tests, including intraluminal impedance, esophageal mucosal impedance, and the functional luminal imaging probe, have been developed. These technologies have proven valuable for assessment of the esophagus in recent years. They provide information on esophageal flow properties, mucosal integrity, lumen shape, and distensibility in esophageal disorders, in particular for GERD and achalasia. Despite their promise and novel clinical studies, the potential of these technologies has been far from realized. New multidisciplinary approaches will contribute to our understanding and interpretation of esophageal impedance data and disease mechanisms.

Intraoperative use of a functional lumen imaging probe during peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia: A single-institute experience and systematic review

Aim

The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) is a recently developed technique to evaluate the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility. Unlike timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and high-resolution manometry (HRM), FLIP can be used during peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of intraoperative FLIP parameters with clinical outcomes as recorded in a single-center database and to investigate a systematic review of literatures.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive patients diagnosed with achalasia and scheduled for POEM between June 2016 and March 2019 in our tertiary referral hospital. All patients underwent intraoperative FLIP assessment during POEM. The final FLIP measurements were compared between the patients with good and poor clinical response. We comprehensively reviewed studies evaluating whether intraoperative FLIP measurements reflected clinical outcomes.

Results

We evaluated 23 patients with achalasia who underwent intraoperative FLIP before and after POEM. Two exhibited poor clinical responses after 3 months (Eckardt scores = 3). The final distensibility index (DI) did not differ significantly between good and poor responders (5.01 [4.52] vs. 4.91 [3.63–6.20] mm²/mmHg at a balloon distension of 50-mL, median [IQR], P = 0.853). The final DI did not differ significantly between post-POEM reflux esophagitis and non-reflux esophagitis groups (6.20 [5.15] vs. 4.23 [1.79] mm²/mmHg at a balloon distension of 50-mL, median [IQR], P = 0.075).

Conclusions

A systematic review of both prospective and retrospective studies including our data indicated that the final intraoperative FLIP measurements did not differ significantly between good and poor responders. Further study with more patients is necessary to explore whether FLIP can predict short- and long-term clinical responses.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia

Achalasia is an uncommon disorder that results from the degeneration of ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus in the lower esophageal wall. It is manifested by a loss of peristalsis in the lower part of the esophagus and failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive intervention that aims to treat achalasia. It is regarded as the endoscopic equivalent of Heller myotomy. POEM is a form of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery that is completed by creating a submucosal tunnel in the lower part of esophagus to reach the inner circular muscle bundles of the LES to perform myotomy, while preserving the outer longitudinal muscle bundles. The result is decreased resting pressure of the LES, facilitating the passage of ingested material. POEM was initially introduced to treat achalasia by targeting the LES. POEM has expanded to include gastric POEM (G-POEM), myotomy of the pyloric sphincter to treat gastroparesis, and per rectal endoscopic myotomy to treat adult Hirschsprung's disease.

Clinical management of pediatric achalasia

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder. Much of the literature is based on the adult population. In adults, guidance of therapeutic approach by manometric findings has led to improvement in patient outcome. Promising results have been achieved with novel therapies such as PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of the novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools for achalasia management and in what way they will relate to the future management of pediatric achalasia. We performed a PubMed and EMBASE search of English literature on achalasia using the keywords 'children', 'achalasia', 'pneumatic dilation', 'myotomy' and 'POEM'. Cohort studies < 10 cases and studies describing patients ≥ 20 years were excluded. Data regarding patient characteristics, treatment outcome and adverse events were extracted and presented descriptively, or pooled when possible. Expert commentary: Available data report that pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller's myotomy are effective in children, with certain studies suggesting lower success rates in pneumatic dilation. POEM is increasingly used in the pediatric setting with promising short-term results. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) may occur post-achalasia intervention due to disruption of the LES and therefore requires diligent follow-up, especially in children treated with POEM.

An Update on Current Management Strategies for Achalasia and Future Perspectives

The last decade has seen growing insight into the pathophysiology of achalasia, and current treatments decreasing the resting pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter by endoscopic (botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, peroral endoscopic myotomy) or surgical means (Heller myotomy). Manometry is considered the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis of achalasia. Pneumatic dilation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy have similar effectiveness and are both more successful in patients with type II achalasia. Laparoscopic myotomy when combined with partial fundoplication is an effective surgical technique and has been considered the operative procedure of choice until recently. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is an emerging therapy with promising results since it offers a minimally invasive and efficacious option especially in type III achalasia. However, it remains to be determined if peroral endoscopic myotomy offers long-term efficacy.

Current Status of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been established as an optional treatment for achalasia. POEM is an endoluminal procedure that involves dissection of esophageal muscle fibers followed by submucosal tunneling. Inoue first attempted to use POEM for the treatment of achalasia in humans. Expanded indications of POEM include classic indications such as type I, type II, type III achalasia, failed prior treatments, including Botulinum toxin injection, endoscopic balloon dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and hypertensive motor disorders such as diffuse esophageal spasm, jackhammer esophagus. Contraindications include prior radiation therapy to the esophagus and prior extensive esophageal mucosal resection/ablation involving the POEM field. Most of the complications are minor and self-limited and can be managed conservatively. As POEM emerged as the main treatment for achalasia, various adaptations to tunnel endoscopic surgery have been attempted. Tunnel endoscopic surgery includes POEM, peroral endoscopic tumor resection, gastric peroral endoscopic pyloromyotomy. POEM has been widely accepted as a treatment for all types of achalasia, even for specific cases such as achalasia with failed prior treatments, and hypertensive motor disorders.

Novel Intra-Procedural Distensibility Measurement Accurately Predicts Immediate Outcome of Pneumatic Dilatation for Idiopathic Achalasia

OBJECTIVES

Often 2-3 graduated pneumatic dilatations (PD) are required to treat achalasia as there is no current intra-procedural predictor of clinical response. Distensibility measurements using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) may provide an intra-procedural predictor of outcome. Our aim was to determine the optimal criterion for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility measurements during PD that predicts immediate clinical response.

METHODS

EGJ distensibility was prospectively measured using FLIP immediately pre- and post-PD. The EGJ distensibility index (EGJ-DI) was defined as a ratio of the narrowest cross-sectional area and the corresponding intra-bag pressure at 40 ml distension. Immediate and short-term clinical responses were defined as Eckardt score ≤3 assessed 2 weeks Post-PD and at 3-month follow-up, respectively.

RESULTS

In 54 patients, we performed thirty-seven 30 mm; twenty 35 mm and six 40 mm PDs. The short-term response rate to the graded PD was 93% (27/29) in newly diagnosed achalasia; 87% (13/15) and 70% (7/10) in those who had relapsed after previous PD and Heller's Myotomy, respectively. Among those demonstrating an immediate response, EGJ-DI increased by an average of 4.5 mm²/mmHg (95% CI (3.5, 5.5) (P<0.001). Within-subject Δ EGJ-DI was highly predictive of immediate clinical response with AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI [0.80, 0.98], P<0.001). An increment in EGJ-DI of 1.8 mm²/mmHg after a single PD predicts an immediate response with an accuracy of 87%.

CONCLUSIONS

FLIP-measured Δ EGJ-DI is a novel intra-procedural tool that accurately predicts immediate clinical response to PD in achalasia. This technique may potentially dictate an immediate mechanism to "step-up" dilator size within a single endoscopy session.

The current state of per oral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia

Achalasia is an acquired neuromuscular disorder that has been treated using a variety of modalities throughout medical history. Recently, the technique of per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was introduced to treat the disease using a truly minimally invasive, natural orifice technique that is rapidly being adopted across the world. This review outlines the development of POEM, the technique itself, and gives a comparison to other procedures, specifically laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM).

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): a new endoscopic treatment for achalasia

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new minimally invasive technique to treat achalasia.

METHODS

We performed a review of the literature of POEM with a special focus on technical details and the results obtained with this technique in patients with achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders.

RESULTS

Thousands of POEM procedures have been performed worldwide since its introduction in 2008. The procedure is based on the creation of a mucosal entry point in the proximal esophagus to reach the cardia through a submucosal tunnel and then perform a myotomy of the muscular layers of the cardia, esophagogastric junction and distal esophagus, as performed in a Heller myotomy. The clinical remission rate ranges from 82 to 100%. Although no randomized studies exist and available data are from single-center studies, no differences have been found between laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and POEM in terms of perioperative outcomes, short-term outcomes (12 months) and long-term outcomes (up to three years). Procedure time and length of hospital stay were lower for POEM. Post-POEM reflux is a concern, and controversial data have been reported compared to LHM. The technique is safe, with no reported deaths related to the procedure and an adverse event rate comparable to surgery. Potential complications include bleeding, perforation, aspiration and insufflation-related adverse events. Thus, this is a complex technique that needs specific training even in expert hands. The indication for this procedure is widening and other motor hypercontractil esophageal disorders have been treated by POEM with promising results. POEM can be performed in complicated situations such as in pediatric patients, sigmoid achalasia or after failure of previous treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is an effective treatment for achalasia and is a promising tool for other motor esophageal disorders. It is a safe procedure but, due to its technical difficulty and possible associated complications, the procedure should be performed in referral centers by trained endoscopists.

Long-term outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy for patients with achalasia: a retrospective single-center study

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been widely applied to the treatment of achalasia. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the long-term outcome of POEM in patients with achalasia. Patients undergoing POEM at our center with a minimum follow-up of 3 years were enrolled in this study. Relief of patients' symptom was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophageal emptying, symptoms relapse, and clinical reflux adverse events. The Chi-square test was performed to determine the potential predictors of surgical failure. Sixty-seven patients (aged 40.7 ± 15.3 years) were recruited in the study, with a mean follow-up period of 40.1 ± 2.8 months. At the final follow-up, the median Eckardt score reduced from 7.6 ± 2.3 preoperatively to 1.9 ± 1.7 (P < 0.001), the lower esophageal sphincter pressure was reduced from 35.4 ± 13.7 mmHg preoperatively to 8.9 ± 4.1 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the height of the barium column at 5 min after barium swallowed was reduced from 9.7 ± 1.6 cm preoperatively to 2.9 ± 2.1 cm (P < 0.001). Eight patients had symptoms relapse and nine patients developed reflux esophagitis. Type III achalasia was found to be indicative of surgical failure. POEM was a promising treatment for patients with achalasia, which can yield a long-term relief of the symptom and a low rate of clinical reflux adverse events.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy compared with pneumatic dilation for newly diagnosed achalasia

BACKGROUND

This study retrospectively compared the safety and efficacy of two endoscopic techniques for treating newly diagnosed achalasia, pneumatic dilation (PD), and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

METHODS

Demographics, clinical and manometric data, and outcomes were collected from the medical records of patients who received POEM or PD as the primary therapy for achalasia at our hospital from January 2012 to August 2015.

RESULTS

Of 72 patients, 32 and 40 received POEM and PD, respectively. The two groups had similar preoperative features. On short-term follow-up, improvements in high-resolution esophageal manometry and barium esophagogram parameters were similar. For PD, the success rates at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 95, 88, 75, 72, and 60%, respectively. For POEM, these were 96, 96, 96, 93, and 93% (P = 0.013, log-rank test). On subgroup analysis, the success rate was higher with POEM than that with PD in all 3 manometric subtypes, but only that of type III was statistically significant. POEM required significantly longer operative time and hospitalization than did PD (P < 0.001). Four POEM patients experienced subcutaneous emphysema. The rate of gastroesophageal reflux was higher in patients treated by POEM (18.8%) than that in PD (10%; P = 0.286).

CONCLUSIONS

In the intermediate term, the remission rate of symptoms associated with POEM therapy was better than that with PD for newly diagnosed achalasia, especially in patients with type III achalasia. The short-term outcomes of the two therapies were similar.

Application of the Functional Lumen Imaging Probe to Esophageal Disorders

OPINION STATEMENT

The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) provides a novel method to evaluate esophageal physiology and function in both health and disease. FLIP enables assessment of a previously underexplored component of esophageal function, distensibility, by utilizing high-resolution impedance planimetry to evaluate the relationship of the esophageal luminal geometry with pressure during controlled volumetric distension. Recent studies have described the potential utility of FLIP to evaluate the severity and effectiveness of therapy for esophageal diseases including achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis. This review summarizes these emerging clinical applications of FLIP in the evaluation and management of esophageal diseases.

Functional Lumen Imaging Probe for the Management of Esophageal Disorders: Expert Review From the Clinical Practice Updates Committee of the AGA Institute

The functional luminal imaging probe is a Food and Drug Administration-approved measurement tool used to measure simultaneous pressure and diameter to guide management of various upper gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, this tool is also approved to guide therapy during bariatric procedures and specialized esophageal surgery. Although it has been commercially available since 2009 as the endolumenal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP), the functional luminal imaging probe has had limited penetrance into clinical settings outside of specialized centers. This is primarily because of a paucity of data supporting its utility in general practice and a lack of standardized protocols and data analysis methodology. However, data are accumulating that are providing guidance regarding emerging applications in the evaluation and management of foregut disorders. This clinical practice update describes the technique and reviews potential indications in achalasia, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastroesophgeal reflux disease. Best Practice Advice 1: Clinicians should not make a diagnosis or treatment decision based on functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) assessment alone. Best Practice Advice 2: FLIP assessment is a complementary tool to assess esophagogastric junction opening dynamics and the stiffness of the esophageal wall. Best Practice Advice 3: Utilization should follow distinct protocols and analysis paradigms based on the disease state of interest. Best Practice Advice 4: Clinicians should not utilize FLIP in routine diagnostic assessments of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Best Practice Advice 5: FLIP should not be used to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis but may have a role in severity assessment and therapeutic monitoring.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy: procedural complications and pain management for the perioperative clinician

Achalasia refers to the lack of smooth muscle relaxation of the distal esophagus. Although nonsurgical treatments such as pneumatic dilatation of the distal esophagus and botulinum toxin injections have been performed, these procedures have limited duration. Similarly, surgical treatment with Heller myotomy is associated with complications. At our institution, we perform the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in qualified patients. Briefly, POEM involves endoscopic creation of a mid-esophageal submucosal bleb, creation of a submucosal tunnel with the endoscope, and then a distal myotomy, resulting in relaxation of the distal esophagus. The aim of our study is to document perioperative pain and associated pain management for our initial patients undergoing POEM and to review the literature for perioperative complications of this procedure. Therefore, anesthetic and pain management for our initial eleven patients undergoing POEM were reviewed. Patient demographics, pre-POEM pain medication history, perioperative pain medication requirements, and post-POEM pain scores were examined. We found post-POEM pain was usually in the mild–moderate range; a combination of medications was effective (opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen). Our literature search revealed a wide frequency range of complications such as pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema, with rare serious events such as capnopericardium leading to cardiac arrest. In conclusion, our experience with POEM suggests pain and can be managed adequately with a combination of medications; the procedure appears to be safe and reasonable to perform in an outpatient endoscopy unit.

Esophagogastric junction distensibility assessed using the functional lumen imaging probe

AIM

To assess reference values in the literature for esophageal distensibility and cross-sectional area in healthy and diseased subjects measured by the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP).

METHODS

Systematic search and review of articles in Medline and Embase pertaining to the use of FLIP in the esophagus was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Cross-sectional area and distensibility at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) were abstracted for normal subjects, achalasia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, stratified by balloon length and volume of inflation.

RESULTS

Six achalasia studies (n = 154), 3 GERD (n = 52), and 5 studies including healthy controls (n = 98) were included in the systematic review. Normative data varied widely amongst studies of healthy volunteers. In contrast, studies in achalasia patients uniformly demonstrated low point estimates in distensibility ≤ 1.6 mm²/mmHg prior to treatment that increased to ≥ 3.4 mm²/mmHg following treatment at 40mL bag volume. In GERD patients, distensibility fell to the range of untreated achalasia (≤ 2.85 mm²/mmHg) following fundoplication.

CONCLUSION

FLIP may be a useful tool in assessment of treatment efficacy in achalasia. The drastic drop in EGJ distensibility after fundoplication suggests that FLIP measurements need to be interpreted in the context of esophageal body motility and highlights the importance of pre-operative screening for dysmotility. Future studies using standardized FLIP protocol and balloon size are needed.

Esophagogastric junction distensibility identifies achalasia subgroup with manometrically normal esophagogastric junction relaxation

BACKGROUND

Manometric criteria to diagnose achalasia are absent peristalsis and incomplete relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), determined by an integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) >15 mm Hg. However, EGJ relaxation seems normal in a subgroup of patients with typical symptoms of achalasia, no endoscopic abnormalities, stasis on timed barium esophagogram (TBE), and absent peristalsis on high-resolution manometry (HRM). The aim of our study was to further characterize these patients by measuring EGJ distensibility and assessing the effect of achalasia treatment.

METHODS

Impedance planimetry (EndoFLIP) was used to measure EGJ distensibility and compared to previous established data of 15 healthy subjects. In case the EGJ distensibility was impaired, achalasia treatment followed. Eckardt score, HRM, TBE, and EGJ distensibility measurements were repeated >3 months after treatment.

KEY RESULTS

We included 13 patients (5 male; age 19-59 years) with typical symptoms of achalasia, Eckardt score of 7 (5-7). High-resolution manometry showed absent peristalsis with low basal EGJ pressure of 10 (5.8-12.9) mm Hg and IRP of 9.3 (6.1-12) mm Hg. Esophageal stasis was 4.6 (2.7-6.9) cm after 5 minutes. Esophagogastric junction distensibility was significantly reduced in patients compared to healthy subjects (0.8 [0.7-1.2] mm² /mm Hg vs 6.3 [3.8-8.7] mm² /mm Hg). Treatment significantly improved the Eckardt score (7 [5-7] to 2 [1-3.5]) and EGJ distensibility (0.8 [0.7-1.2] mm² /mm Hg to 3.5 [1.5-6.1] mm² /mm Hg).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

A subgroup of patients with clinical and radiological features of achalasia but manometrically normal EGJ relaxation has an impaired EGJ distensibility and responds favorably to achalasia treatment. Our data suggest that this condition can be considered as achalasia and treated as such.

Update on the endoscopic treatments for achalasia

Achalasia is the most common primary motility disorder of the esophagus and presents as dysphagia to solids and liquids. It is characterized by impaired deglutitive relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. High-resolution manometry allows for definitive diagnosis and classification of achalasia, with type II being the most responsive to therapy. Since no cure for achalasia exists, early diagnosis and treatment of the disease is critical to prevent end-stage disease. The central tenant of diagnosis is to first rule out mechanical obstruction due to stricture or malignancy, which is often accomplished by endoscopic and fluoroscopic examination. Therapeutic options include pneumatic dilation (PD), surgical myotomy, and endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin injection. Heller myotomy and PD are more efficacious than pharmacologic therapies and should be considered first-line treatment options. Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally-invasive endoscopic therapy that might be as effective as surgical myotomy when performed by a trained and experienced endoscopist, although long-term data are lacking. Overall, therapy should be individualized to each patient's clinical situation and based upon his or her risk tolerance, operative candidacy, and life expectancy. In instances of therapeutic failure or symptom recurrence re-treatment is possible and can include PD or POEM of the wall opposite the site of prior myotomy. Patients undergoing therapy for achalasia require counseling, as the goal of therapy is to improve swallowing and prevent late manifestations of the disease rather than to restore normal swallowing, which is unfortunately impossible.

[Tension pneumothorax during peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of esophageal achalasia under general anesthesia]

More and more endoscopically gastrointestinal procedures require anesthesiologists to perform general anesthesia, such as "peroral endoscopic myotomy". Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a novel invasive treatment for the primary motility disorder of esophagus, called esophageal achalasia. Despite of its minimally invasive feature, there are still complications during the procedure which develop to critical conditions and threat patients' lives. Herein we describe a case about tension pneumothorax subsequent to esophageal rupture during peroral endoscopic myotomy. The emergent management of the complication is stated in detail. The pivotal points of general anesthesia for patients undergoing peroral endoscopic myotomy are emphasized and discussed. Also, intraoperative and post-operative complications mentioned by literature are integrated.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of esophageal achalasia: systematic review and pooled analysis

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel approach to performing esophageal myotomy for the treatment of achalasia. This review aims to assess subjective and objective metrics of achalasia treatment efficacy, perioperative adverse events and the incidence of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients treated with POEM. Secondary aims include a pooled analysis comparison of the clinical outcomes and procedural safety of POEM versus laparoscopic Heller's myotomy (LHM). A systematic review of the literature, up to and including January 15, 2015, was conducted for studies reporting POEM outcomes. Studies comparing POEM to LHM were also included for the purpose of pooled analysis. Outcomes from 1122 POEM patients, from 22 studies, are reported in this systematic review. Minor operative adverse events included capno/pneumo-peritoneum (30.6%), capno/pneumo-thorax (11.0%) and subcutaneous emphysema (31.6%). Major operative adverse events included mediastinal leak (0.3%), postoperative bleeding (1.1%) and a single mortality (0.09%). There was an improvement in lower esophageal sphincter pressure and timed barium esophagram column height of 66% and 80% post-POEM, respectively. Symptom improvement was demonstrated with a pre- and post-POEM Eckardt score ± standard deviation of 6.8 ± 1.0 and 1.2 ± 0.6, respectively. Pre- and post-POEM endoscopy showed esophagitis in 0% and 19% of patients, respectively. The median (interquartile range) points scored for study quality was 15 (14-16) out of total of 32. Pooled analysis of three comparative studies between LHM and POEM showed similar results for adverse events, perforation rate, operative time and a nonsignificant trend toward a reduced length of hospital stay in the POEM group. In conclusion, POEM is a safe and effective treatment for achalasia, showing significant improvements in objective metrics and achalasia-related symptoms. Randomized comparative studies of LHM and POEM are required to determine the most effective treatment modality for achalasia.

Single clips versus multi-firing clip device for closure of mucosal incisions after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)

Background and aims: After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), the mucosal incision is closed with endoscopically applied clips. After each clip placement, a subsequent clipping device has to be introduced through the working channel. With the Clipmaster3, three consecutive clips can be placed without reloading which could reduce closure time. We performed a prospective study evaluating efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Closure using Clipmaster3 was compared to closure with standard clips. Methods: Patients undergoing closure with the Clipmaster3 were compared to patients who underwent POEM with standard clip closure. Results: In total, 12 consecutive POEM closures with Clipmaster3 were compared to 24 standard POEM procedures. The Clipmaster3 and the standard group did not differ in sex distribution, age (42 years [29 - 49] vs 41 years [34 - 54] P = 0.379), achalasia subtype, disease duration, length of the mucosal incision (25.0 mm [20 - 30] vs 20.0 mm [20 - 30], P = 1.0), and closure time (622 seconds [438 - 909] vs 599 seconds [488 - 664] P = 0.72). Endoscopically successful closure could be performed in all patients. The proportion of all clips used that were either displaced or discarded was larger for Clipmaster3 (8.8 %) compared to standard closure (2.0 %, P  = 0.00782). Ease of handling VAS (visual analogue scale) score for Clipmaster3 did not differ between endoscopist and endoscopy nurse (7 out of 10). Conclusions: Clipmaster3 is feasible and safe for closure of mucosal incisions after POEM. Clipmaster3 was not associated with reduced closure time. Compared to standard closure, more Clipmaster3 clips were displaced or discarded to achieve successful closure. A training effect cannot be excluded as a cause of these results.

STUDY REGISTRATION

NCT01405417.

Safety and efficacy of POEM for treatment of achalasia: a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel intervention for the treatment of achalasia, which combines the advantages of endoscopic access and myotomy. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM.

METHODS

The systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE (R) including in-process and non-indexed citations were searched for POEM studies using the keywords: esophageal achalasia, POEM, endoscopy, natural orifice surgery, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), and related terms. Eckardt score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, and reported complications were the main outcomes. Two authors reviewed the search result independently. A third reviewer resolved all disagreements. Data abstraction was pilot-tested and approved by all authors. Data were examined for clinical, methodological, and statistical heterogeneity with the aim of determining whether evidence synthesis using meta- analysis was possible.

RESULTS

The search strategy retrieved 2894 citations. After removing duplicates and applying the exclusion criteria, 54 studies were selected for full-text review of which a total of 19 studies were considered eligible for further analysis. There were 10 retrospective and 9 prospective studies, including 1299 POEM procedures. No randomized control trial (RCT) was identified. Overall, the pre- and post-POEM Eckardt scores and LES pressure were significantly different. The most frequently reported complications were mucosal perforation, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumoperitoneum, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pleural effusion, and pneumonia. The median follow-up was 13 months (range 3-24).

CONCLUSION

POEM is a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of achalasia. However, only short-term follow-up data compared with LHM are available. RCTs and long-term follow-up studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of POEM in the management of patients with achalasia.

Prospective evaluation of CT esophagram findings after peroral endoscopic myotomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a procedure with potential for serious adverse events. Postprocedure imaging is routinely done, yet there is no consensus on the optimal imaging protocol. We describe a novel and simple CT esophagram protocol for evaluation after POEM and for reporting the full spectrum of radiographic findings and subsequent interventions.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective study of consecutive patients treated with POEM evaluated with CT esophagram.

RESULTS

Eighty-four consecutive patients who had POEM performed underwent CT esophagrams. The most common findings were pneumomediastinum (85.7%), pneumoperitoneum (66.7%), subcutaneous emphysema (52.4%), and pleural effusion (46.4%). Other findings included retroperitoneal air (38.1%), pneumothorax (19%), atelectasis (14.3%), intramural air in the esophagus and/or stomach (13.1%), pericardial effusion (2.4%), and pneumopericardium (2.4%). Five patients required intervention based on CT findings. In 1 patient, a leak was detected on CT esophagram before any clinical manifestation, facilitating prompt intervention and avoiding potential serious outcomes. Four patients were diagnosed with pneumonia and were treated with antibiotics. There was frequent postprocedural atelectasis, which prompted the introduction of routine incentive spirometry in all postoperative POEM cases.

CONCLUSIONS

CT esophagram is a simple and accessible imaging test for routine postoperative POEM evaluation. Numerous and dramatic postprocedure radiographic findings may be expected and demonstrated with this imaging modality. Although most of these findings may not require intervention, some are of potential significance, and early identification may help modify postprocedure management. (

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01832779.).

Functional lumen imaging probe: The FLIP side of esophageal disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to summarize use of the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) for the evaluation and management of esophageal diseases.

RECENT FINDINGS

The FLIP utilizes high-resolution impedance planimetry to evaluate the functional geometry and cross-sectional area/pressure relationship (i.e. distensibility) of the esophageal sphincters and body. Recent studies have reported the potential utility of FLIP to evaluate esophageal diseases, such as achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and eosinophilic esophagitis.

SUMMARY

Esophageal distensibility measures provided by the FLIP will add to our understanding of the contribution of esophageal mechanical properties to esophageal symptoms and function. Application of the FLIP in clinical practice complements the diagnostic evaluation of esophageal function and may also be a valuable tool to help direct and target clinical management of esophageal diseases.

POEM Procedure: What the Radiologist Needs to Know for This New Surgical Intervention for Achalasia

Achalasia is a debilitating condition resulting from the failure of appropriate lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Traditionally, the treatment of choice for achalasia has been a Heller myotomy, performed either via laparotomy or laparoscopically. The latter method has gained wide popularity in its documented lower postoperative morbidity. Recently, however, a new technique has been developed that can be performed by both thoracic surgeons and endoscopists-Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy. This procedure offers an alternative to invasive surgery and provides excellent outcomes with minimal recovery time.¹ This article would help familiarize radiologists with this new technique, as well as both normal and abnormal postoperative appearances.

Efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy vs other achalasia treatments in improving esophageal function

AIM: To assess and compare the esophageal function after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) vs other conventional treatments in achalasia.

METHODS: Chart review of all achalasia patients who underwent POEM, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) or pneumatic dilation (PD) at our institution between January 2012 and March 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, type of achalasia, prior treatments, pre- and post-treatment timed barium swallow (TBE) and high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) findings were compared between the three treatment groups. Patients who had both pre- and 2 mo post-treatment TBE or HREM were included in the final analysis. TBE parameters compared were barium column height, width and volume of barium remaining at 1 and 5 min. HREM parameters compared were basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures and LES-integrated relaxation pressures (IRP). Data are presented as mean ± SD, median [25^th, 75^th percentiles] or frequency (percent). Analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearsons χ² test and Fishers Exact tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 200 achalasia patients were included of which 36 underwent POEM, 22 underwent PD and 142 underwent LHM. POEM patients were older (55.4 ± 16.8 years vs 46.5 ± 15.7 years, P = 0.013) and had higher BMI than LHM (29.1 ± 5.9 kg/m²vs 26 ± 5.1 kg/m², P = 0.012). More number of patients in POEM and PD groups had undergone prior treatments compared to LHM group (72.2% vs 68.2% vs 44.3% respectively, P = 0.003). At 2 mo post-treatment, all TBE parameters including barium column height, width and volume remaining at 1 and 5 min improved significantly in all three treatment groups (P = 0.01 to P < 0.001) except the column height at 1 min in PD group (P = 0.11) . At 2 mo post-treatment, there was significant improvement in basal LES pressure and LES-IRP in both LHM (40.5 mmHg vs 14.5 mmHg and 24 mmHg vs 7.1 mmHg respectively, P < 0.001) and POEM groups (38.7 mmHg vs 11.4 mmHg and 23.6 mmHg vs 6.6 mmHg respectively, P < 0.001). However, when the efficacy of three treatments were compared to each other in terms of improvement in TBE or HREM parameters at 2 mo, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: POEM, PD and LHM were all effective in improving esophageal function in achalasia at short-term. There was no difference in efficacy between the three treatments.

Achalasia: current treatment options

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder, characterized by impaired swallow-induced, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and defective esophageal peristalsis. Unfortunately, there are no etiological therapies for achalasia. Patients present with dysphagia, chest pain and regurgitation of undigested food, often leading to weight loss. The currently available treatments have the common aim of relieving symptoms by decreasing the pressure of the LES. This can be achieved with some medications, by inhibiting the cholinergic innervation (botulinum toxin), by stretching (endoscopic dilation) or cutting (surgery) the LES. Recently, other therapeutic options, including per-oral endoscopic myotomy have been developed and are gaining international consensus. The authors report on the benefits and weaknesses of the different therapies and provide an updated approach to the management of achalasia.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: Outcomes of the First 100 Patients With Short-term Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Aim of this study is to report the mid-term outcomes of a large series of patients treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in a single European center.

BACKGROUND

POEM is a recently developed treatment of achalasia, which combines the efficacy of surgical myotomy, with the benefits of an endoscopic procedure. Previous studies, including few patients with a short-term follow-up, showed excellent results on dysphagia relief.

METHODS

The first 100 adult patients treated in a single tertiary referral center were retrospectively identified and included in this study (41 men, mean age 48.4 years). Patients were treated according to a standard technique. Follow-up data, including clinical evaluation, and results of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), manometry, and pH monitoring were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

POEM was completed in 94% of patients. Mean operative time was 83 minutes (49-140  minutes). No complications occurred. Patients were fed after a median of 2 days (1-4 days). A mean follow-up of 11 months (3-24 months) was available for 92 patients. Clinical success was documented in 94.5% of patients. Twenty-four-hour pH monitoring documented Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in 53.4% of patients. However, only a minority of patients had heartburn (24.3%) or esophagitis (27.4%), and these patients were successfully treated with proton-pump inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the efficacy of POEM in a large series of patients, with a mean follow-up of 11 months. Should our results be confirmed by long-term follow-up studies, POEM may become one of the first-line therapies of achalasia in the next future.

Intraprocedural fluoroscopy to determine the extent of the cardiomyotomy during per-oral endoscopic myotomy (with video)

BACKGROUND

An adequate myotomy on the gastric side is considered essential to optimize outcomes in patients undergoing per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). An objective method to measure the length of gastric myotomy has not yet been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new method of precisely determining the length of the submucosal tunnel below the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) using intraprocedural fluoroscopy.

DESIGN

Single-center cohort study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four consecutive patients who underwent POEM for management of achalasia.

INTERVENTIONS

A radiopaque marker (endoscopic clip placed at the EGJ or fluoroscopically guided placement of a 19-gauge needle on the skin) was used to mark the EGJ. The endoscope was inserted to the most distal aspect of the submucosal tunnel and, using fluoroscopy, the distance between the radiopaque marker and the tip of the endoscope was measured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Technical success, procedural impact, duration of technique, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 100% of patients. The submucosal tunnel was extended in 5 patients (20.8%) with a mean extension of 1.4±.5 cm. The mean increase in procedure time was 4 minutes with the endoscopic clip and 2 minutes with the 19-gauge needle. There were no adverse events associated with this technique.

LIMITATIONS

Need for fluoroscopy. Absence of available criterion standard.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraprocedural fluoroscopy was an efficient and safe method of objectively documenting the extent of gastric myotomy during POEM. This may benefit those investigating the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during the myotomy and those early in their experience performing POEM.

POEM, the Prototypical "New NOTES" Procedure and First Successful NOTES Procedure

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was first performed in 2008 as a novel treatment of achalasia. It is now performed globally, demonstrating the evolution of the first successful natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedure. There is extensive data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of POEM, and now long-term data has emerged demonstrating that the efficacy is durable. POEM is also being used to successfully treat diffuse esophageal spasm (DES) and jackhammer esophagus. With jackhammer esophagus and DES, inclusion of the lower esophageal sphincter in the myotomy minimizes the risk of symptom development from iatrogenic ineffective esophageal motility.