How I Do It: Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

Introduction: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has become the therapy of choice for achalasia. In the last three years, clinical experience with a novel approach to this disease, Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), has grown. Methods: Herein, we describe the technical steps in the POEM procedure. Conclusion: In our experience, the method appears to be a safe alternative to standard laparoscopic Heller myotomy, but further assessment is needed to understand long-term outcomes.