Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Pediatric Achalasia: 36-Month Outcomes from a Single-Center Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Long-term data on peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in children with achalasia remain limited. We aimed to evaluate the safety and 36-month efficacy of POEM in pediatric achalasia.

METHODS

Consecutive children with achalasia who underwent POEM were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was clinical success (Eckardt score ≤ 3). Secondary outcomes included changes in Eckardt score, timed barium esophagram (TBE) findings, body mass index z score, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirty children were included (mean age, 11.15 ± 2.68 years) with a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 6-66 months). During the available follow-up period, clinical success was achieved in in 93.3% of patients. Eckardt scores and TBE showed significant reductions, and body mass index z score increased. No major adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM appears to be a safe and effective treatment for pediatric achalasia, with favorable outcomes sustained at 36 months.