Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) vs Pneumatic Dilation Establishing a New Therapeutic Option for Achalasia

摘要

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motor disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 10 cases per 100 000 adults,1 and is characterized by progressive degeneration of ganglion cells in the myenteric plexus of the esophagus that leads to insufficient swallow-induced relaxation of the lower esoph-ageal sphincter (LES) and absence of peristalsis along the esophageal body.1 Consequently, the passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach is impaired and results in symptoms of solid and liquid food dys-phagia, regurgitation, chest pain, pulmonary complications, and weight los