Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy in Children with Achalasia Cardia

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Achalasia cardia (AC) is a motility disorder, characterized by impaired lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis. AC is rare in children with unclear optimum management strategies. Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel technique for management of achalasia with encouraging results in adult patients. The efficacy and safety of POEM is not known for pediatric AC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of POEM in children with achalasia cardia METHODS: The data of all children (< 18 years) who underwent POEM at our center was retrospectively analysed. Symptoms were analysed using a validated score (Eckardt score) at regular predefined intervals. Objective parameters including high-resolution manometry, timed barium swallow and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were assessed before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. Clinical success was defined as an Eckardt score ≤ 3. RESULTS: A total of 15 children underwent POEM during the specified period. Ten out of 15 (10/15) completed 1-year follow-up. Median operative time was 100 (38–240) minutes. Mean pre and post procedure LES pressure were 36.64 ± 11.08 mmHg and 15.65 ± 5.73 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.001). Mean Eckardt score before and after the POEM was 7.32 ± 1.42 and 1.74 ± 0.67, respectively (P = 0.001). Mean percentage improvement in barium emptying at 5 minutes was 63.70 ± 4.46%. All children had complete resolution of symptoms at 1 year. Median weight gain of children at 1 year was 0.65 kg (range, 0.0–4.6). CONCLUSIONS: POEM is safe and effective for children and adolescents with achalasia. Future trials with larger sample size are warranted to establish its efficacy in pediatric AC.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endotherapy for pancreatic calculi—a large single center experience.

Aim Large pancreatic ductal calculi and pain are a feature of chronic calcific pancreatitis (CCP) in the tropics. This large single center study evaluates the role of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in fragmentation of large pancreatic stones and relief of pain in patients with CCP. Methods Patients with CCP presenting with pain and large pancreatic duct (PD) calculi (>5 mm diameter) not amenable to extraction at routine endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) were taken up for ESWL using a 3rd generation lithotripter. Stones in the head and body of pancreas were targeted at ESWL; 5,000 shocks were given per session. The calculi were fragmented to <3 mm size and then cleared by endotherapy. Pancreatic duct stents were deployed when indicated. A total of 1,006 patients underwent ESWL. Complete clearance was achieved in 762 (76%), partial clearance in 173 (17%) and unsuccessful in the rest. More than 962 (90%) of patients needed less than three sessions of ESWL. At 6 months, 711 (84%) of 846 patients who returned for follow up had significant relief of pain with a decrease in analgesic use. Complications were mild and minimal. Conclusion ESWL is an effective and safe modality for fragmentation of large PD calculi in patients with CCP.