Per oral endoscopic myotomy with fundoplication is a technically feasible NOTES for achalasia cardia

Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2022 Feb;31(2):319-324. doi: 10.1080/13645706.2020.1783320. Epub 2020 Jul 1.

Abstract

Background: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become the standard of care for the endoscopic management of achalasia but its major long-term adverse effect has been the development of reflux-associated symptoms and sequelae.

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of the technique of POEM with fundoplication (POEM + F), a pure Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) procedure in achalasia.

Material and methods: Between November 2019 and January 2020, three patients with achalasia cardia were subjected to POEM + F. Various parameters such as technical feasibility, procedure time, adverse events and post-procedure follow-up were noted.

Results: POEM + F was successfully completed in all three patients. Other than intra-operative capno-peritoneum, no major adverse events were noted. On follow-up at one month, maintenance of wrap was noted.

Conclusion: POEM + F is a technically feasible and a reproducible pure NOTES procedure.

Keywords: NOTES; POEM; fundoplication; technical.

MeSH terms

  • Cardia / surgery
  • Esophageal Achalasia* / surgery
  • Fundoplication
  • Humans
  • Myotomy*
  • Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Treatment Outcome