Briefly noted: S Miao et al. JPGN 2018; 66: 257-62.  In this retrospective study, the authors examined the use of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in children.  They , describe a successful outcome in all 21 patients (range 11 months to 18 years).  Complications included subcutaneous emphysema (n=4), pneumoperitoneum (n=1), mediastinal emphysema ((n=4), pneumonia (n=1) and mucosal injury (n=1). The authors: “although Heller myotomy is still widely accepted as the standard treatment for achalasia in children, POEM …may provide a better treatment …due to less hospitalization, less trauma, …and long-term efficacy.”

Related blog posts:

• Poems in practice for achalasia
• Achalasia -Updated Epidemiology | gutsandgrowth

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic