Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Esophageal Achalasia: Outcomes of the First 100 Patients With Short-term Follow-up

Intermediate term results of a single institution experience with POEM for management of achalasia are reported for the first 100 cases.  Most patients were women (59%) and the overall mean age was 48 years.  POEM was successfully completed in 94 pts and without complications.  Clinical success was declared in 94.5%, although pH studies documented abnormal esophageal acid exposure in 53% of patients postoperatively and 24% of patients complained of heartburn.