POEM

The disorder that occurs in this food pipe is termed as oesophageal disorders

Cancer Surgeon

What Is Poem?

POEM is a cutting-edge therapeutic endoscopic procedure used to treat disorders associated with swallowing, most commonly for Achalasia, make eating and drinking an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. POEM is a relatively new minimally invasive approach that uses high-definition endoscopic technology for treatment that offers long-term symptom relief.

In the process of POEM, a surgeon uses flexible tubes called an endoscope that can be passed through the mouth and relax the lower oesophagus sphincter muscles. To transform the submucosal layer of the oesophagus and proximal stomach into a tunnel, POEM utilies the principles of the submucosal endoscopy. The process requires a flexible endoscope for performing oesophageal and gastric myotomy. The endoscope has a camera attached to it that helps the doctor to see and examine the surfaces of the oesophagus on a monitor. The procedure takes approximately two to three hours, and a patient is expected to stay in the hospital for an average of two days for monitoring and to receive intravenous antibiotics.

Why Poem Is Performed?

Surgeons at CUSP perform POEM to treat the following disease:

  • Oesophageal Achalasia
  • Spastic oesophageal disorders not responding to medical therapies, such as:
    1. Diffuse oesophageal spam
    2. Nutcracker oesophagus
    3. Jackhammer oesophagus

Poem: What To Expect Before And After The Procedure?

Surgeons at CUSP are among the first in the country to offer POEM. Here is what care a patient must take before and after the procedure:

Before the Procedure:

  • Discuss with your doctor about your medical history and current medical condition.
  • Tell your doctors if you have any allergies.
  • Your doctor might prescribe you some medication before the POEM.
  • You will have to be on a liquid diet for two days prior to the procedure.
  • You will not have to eat or drink anything 12 hours prior to surgery. This is to ensure that your oesophagus is clear of any food products.

After the Procedure:

  • Right after the procedure, a patient has to stay in the hospital for a day or two to make sure there are no complications.
  • A patient might be restricted from eating anything post surgery.
  • After the surgery patient will undergo barium X-ray to ensure that the oesophagus muscle is in good condition and there is no leakage.
  • A patient has to take regular follow-up care with the surgeon as an outpatient.

Our Surgeons at CUSP hold an international reputation for excellence in advanced endoscopic techniques for treating swallowing disorders. We follow a multidisciplinary approach to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets the individual needs of patients and give them permanent relief from the symptoms of swallowing disorders.

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