POEM in the Treatment of Achalasia - A Retrospective Analysis of 484 Cases from a Single Center.

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Introduction

</b> Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder of unclear etiology. The development of third-space endoscopy has enabled the advancement of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a promising therapeutic alternative. <br><br><b>Aim:</b> To assess the safety profile of the POEM procedure in patients with diverse clinical characteristics. <br><br><b>Material and methods:</b> A retrospective analysis of 484 consecutive POEM procedures performed between 2015 and 2024 at PCZ in Brzeziny (Brzeziny specialized medical center) was conducted. The analysis included demographic data, procedure duration, type of achalasia, as well as intraoperative and early postoperative complications. <br><br><b>

Results

</b> Significant complications during or post hospitalization occurred in 26 patients (5.4%), including bleeding, mucosal perforation, pain requiring prolonged treatment, and asymptomatic elevation of inflammatory markers. Two cases of mediastinitis and 7 readmissions were recorded. All complications were successfully managed conservatively. <br><br><b>

Conclusions

</b> POEM is characterized by a high safety profile in the treatment of achalasia.