Peroral Esophageal Myotomy.

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative disorder of the lower esophagus characterized by high lower esophageal pressures and aperistalsis of the esophageal body. It remains a difficult to treat disease with significant burden on patients due to difficulty swallowing leading to malnutrition. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a newer endoscopic treatment of achalasia. It involves dividing the muscular layer of the esophagus through a submucosal tunnel. Ten-year data show POEM is a safe and effective treatment of achalasia. However, postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease remains an important consideration.