POEM delivers achalasia relief for most Saudi patients — but reflux follow-up matters.
Abdulrahman Alfadda, Abdullah Alqaraawi, Aymen Almuhaidb, et al.
In 105 achalasia patients treated with per-oral endoscopic myotomy at a Riyadh referral center, symptom scores dropped sharply and 77% achieved clinical success, with about 70% reporting substantial relief. Complications, mostly minor and gas-related, occurred in roughly 27% of patients with no deaths, though about a quarter developed reflux requiring proton pump inhibitors afterward. The authors conclude POEM is safe and effective in the Saudi setting, matching international results, but flag post-procedure reflux as an issue needing ongoing monitoring.
- The question: Does endoscopic myotomy deliver lasting relief for achalasia?
- The study: Researchers followed 105 achalasia patients treated with per-oral endoscopic myotomy at a Riyadh referral center.
- The finding: Symptom scores dropped sharply, and 77% achieved clinical success, with minor, gas-related complications in about 27% of patients.
- The nuance: About 70% reported substantial relief, with no deaths, though about a quarter later needed reflux medication.
Takeaway: POEM is safe and effective in the Saudi setting, matching international results — but post-procedure reflux needs ongoing monitoring.
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