Analysis of Mid-and-Long Term Efficacy of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia / 胃肠病学

ABSTRACT

Background:Peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)is a novel minimally invasive endoscopic technique for treatment of esophageal achalasia(EA). It has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in several short-term clinical studies, however,studies focusing on its mid- and long-term outcome are rare. Aims:To investigate the mid-and-long term efficacy of POEM in EA patients. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed in 41 EA patients who underwent POEM in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Nanjing General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region from Jul. 2012 to Dec. 2013. All these patients were followed up periodically for clinical symptoms(Eckardt score),maximum esophageal diameter and lower esophageal sphincter pressure(LESP),and the intra- and post-operative complications and recurrence were recorded. Results:POEM was successfully completed in all 41 EA patients,the mean operative time was(69. 5 ± 20. 6)min(range 35-125 min),and the mean length of hospital stay was 3. 5 days. Compared with the pre-operative data,the post-operative Eckardt score,maximum esophageal diameter and LESP during follow-up(mean 26. 3 months, range 19-36 months)were significantly decreased(P all < 0. 05). Procedure-related complications were seen in 6 patients (14. 6% );the clinical success rate was 95. 1%(39 / 41)and the recurrence rate was 2. 4%(1 / 41). Conclusions:POEM is safe and effective in mid-and-long term follow-up with low recurrence rate. It might become the first-line therapy for EA,and the long-term efficacy and complications need further follow-up study.