Low Rate of Adverse Events in Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

The first comprehensive assessment of POEM in a large multicenter cohort of patients confirms its safety.

Although data from many small studies suggest that peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is effective and safe, researchers have now conducted the first comprehensive assessment of adverse events (AEs) in a large multicenter cohort.

In this retrospective case-control study, investigators analyzed short-term AEs in more than 1800 patients undergoing POEM for achalasia or spastic esophageal dysmotility at 12 tertiary care centers. AE severity was defined by a standardized grading system established by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. All patients had follow-up at 2 to 4 weeks postprocedure and were matched with a random control patient from the same center. Results were as follows:

Overall, 137 patients (8%) experienced ≥1 AE. I…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors