Cutting-edge ‘POEM’ procedure at Kokilaben Hospital successfully treats patients with chronic swallowing difficulties

Cutting-edge ‘POEM’ procedure at Kokilaben Hospital successfully treats patients with chronic swallowing difficulties

• POEM or Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy is a new treatment option for people with muscle disorders in the oesophagus, such as achalasia
• Performed under general anaesthesia, POEM is a minimally invasive procedure and leaves no visible scars

Navi Mumbai, December 23, 2023 (GNI):  Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai showcased two rare cases of patients who were successfully treated for chronic difficulty in swallowing using the cutting-edge Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure. The patients included Mr. Ashok, a 41-year-old male, suffering from chest discomfort while eating for the past 10 years, and Mrs. Siraj Devi, a 70-year-old female who had struggled with swallowing difficulties and a chronic cough for five years, leading to significant lung fibrosis due to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosed with Achalasia Cardia, a condition that affects the food pipe (oesophagus), the patients underwent the minimally-invasive POEM procedure with dramatic improvement in symptoms and were discharged on the third day. Both cases exemplify how multidisciplinary approach helped them recover

Dr Dipak Bhangale, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital said, “Achalasia is a condition where the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, does not contract properly, which makes it difficult for the food to move towards the stomach. In addition, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, doesn’t relax properly, making swallowing food difficult. This can lead to a coughing or choking sensation, with the food feeling stuck in the esophagus. Over time, this can lead to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies with low quality of life.”

The POEM procedure offered by the Department of Gastroenterology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, is a medical procedure used to treat swallowing disorders of esophagus. The POEM procedure was first performed in Japan in 2008 followed by the UK in November 2013. Since then, this modern procedure has been used for treating oesophageal motility disorders such as achalasia. It is done without any external incisions on the body and generally is a 60-90 minutes procedure, performed under general anaesthesia. It is recognised as a safe and effective treatment option by The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

In the first case, Mr. Ashok, a 41-year-old male with no known comorbidities, had suffered from chest discomfort while eating for the past 10 years. Before coming to Kokilaben Hospital, he was evaluated many times by different doctors and found to be in good cardiac health. An upper GI endoscopy and manometric evaluation revealed the reason for his problem and he was diagnosed to have Type 1 Achalasia Cardia. The patient chose the innovative POEM procedure over traditional options. After the procedure, Mr. Benval experienced immediate relief from his decade-long ailment.

The second case was of Mrs. Siraj Devi, a 70-year-old female who came to the hospital with swallowing difficulties and a chronic cough for over five years. She also had significant lung fibrosis due to recurrent aspiration pneumonia. She was diagnosed with Type 2 Achalasia Cardia and given the high-risk for surgery due to her age and lung complications, she underwent the POEM procedure. The procedure was a success with relief from both her swallowing difficulties and chronic cough.

“POEM procedure, with its minimally invasive approach, offers a highly effective alternative to traditional surgical methods for treatment of oesophageal motility disorders, especially for high-risk patients. We are proud to offer the cutting-edge POEM procedure at Kokilaben Hospital for the benefit of patients in Navi Mumbai and surrounding areas. This is an example of our commitment to adopting the latest medical advancements and multidisciplinary appraoch to provide the best care for our patients,” said Dr Bipin Chevale, Director and Head at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai.ends GNI