UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery Assistant Professor Kristen Wong, M.D., and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Assistant Professor Sergio Sanchez-Luna, M.D., recently joined UAB MedCast to discuss achalasia and highlight the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) program at UAB.

Achalasia is a rare disorder that affects a patient’s ability to swallow foods and liquids due to damage to the nerves and muscle fibers in the esophagus. Common symptoms include regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss.

Wong notes that the POEM procedure is a new treatment for achalasia that has been identified as a less invasive alternative to the Heller myotomy.

The POEM procedure is a fully endoscopic approach that involves cutting the muscle of the distal esophagus and proximal stomach to allow patients to swallow. No incisions are made outside the body, resulting in less pain and a faster recovery time.

Sanchez-Luna says that the POEM procedure is associated with excellent clinical outcomes and an improved quality of life.

At UAB, the POEM program offers this procedure to achalasia patients as one of the most experienced centers in the southeast. 

Click here to listen to the full episode.

Written by: Nausicaa Chu