Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Dallas, TX

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A peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive treatment for achalasia, a motility disorder of the esophagus. When a patient has achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter constricts too much. Treatment for achalasia aims to loosen the esophageal sphincter so patients can eat and swallow normally. POEM is performed with an endoscope and is an excellent alternative to more traditional open surgeries. Our gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas can perform POEM and other treatment options for achalasia. Contact our center in Dallas, TX to find a GI specialist in your area.

Your gastroenterologist will give you preparation instructions before POEM to ensure the procedure has the most optimal outcome. These typically involve going on a liquid diet at least 3 days prior to the procedure, with only clear liquids allowed about 24 hours before the procedure. You will likely be given a prescription for an antibiotic medication to take before POEM. Be sure to inform your gastroenterologist of what other medications and supplements you may be taking so that your medications can be adjusted accordingly. If you have further questions about preparing for POEM, contact your Digestive Health Associates of Texas center to speak to an expert gastroenterologist.

Patients are usually sedated under general anesthesia during POEM. The procedure itself typically takes around 2 hours, but overnight observation in a hospital setting is required. During POEM, an endoscope is run through the mouth and into the esophagus. The surgeon makes an incision in the inner layer of the esophagus (the mucosa) and runs the endoscope down to the lower esophegeal sphincter, where the surgeon makes targeted cuts into the esophageal muscle fibers to weaken the sphincter. Once this is complete, the endoscope is removed and the incisions are closed. Patients will typically have an esophagram the next morning to check on the success of the procedure and then will be asked to consume a liquid diet as they heal and recover.

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If you or a loved one has difficulty swallowing because of achalasia, then a minimally invasive peroral endoscopic myotomy may be of significant benefit. POEM has a shorter recovery timeframe and less chance of complication than other possible treatments. To learn more about this and other treatment options for achalasia, speak to a gastroenterologist in your area. Digestive Health Associates of Texas can assist you in locating a GI physician that can treat achalasia and perform POEM in your neighborhood. Contact our staff in Dallas, TX to access our extensive network of gastroenterologists.

After 20+ years of progressively worsening problems with swallowing and keeping food/drink down (what was misdiagnosed as acid reflux), I was referred to Dr. Kedia who confirmed after tests that I had achalasia, not acid reflux. Three months ago, Dr. Kedia performed the peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure. In my appointment prior to surgery, I asked a lot of detailed questions about the POEM procedure, potential side-effects, downside, etc. Dr. Kedia very patiently explained the process and showed videos and answered every question. Post-surgery, he also provided a complete, down to the smallest detail, step-by-step, written account of my procedure. It is no exaggeration to say this has been a life changing event. Previously, on a good day, only half of what I ate or drank stayed down, which had impacts on my personal, professional and family lives. Since the surgery, I have had NO PROBLEMS with eating or drinking and keeping it down. As in NONE, ZERO. I got my (quality-of) life back. The entire process - tests, office staff, etc. has been positive.

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