Pediatric achalasia and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): Ten-year outcomes for 101 children at a single institution

jpedsurg.org

Pediatric achalasia, characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and abnormal esophageal peristalsis, remains a rare but increasingly recognized motility disorder. While laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has traditionally been the surgical treatment of choice, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative, demonstrating favorable safety profiles and efficacy. This study presents the largest single-institutional review of POEM outcomes in pediatric patients to date, including a significant subgroup of patients aged 10 years or younger, addressing a critical gap in the current literature.

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Article · Sep 2025 · 1 min read

In brief

This landmark study reports 10-year outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in 101 pediatric achalasia patients, representing the largest single-center experience to date. The research demonstrates POEM's safety and efficacy as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional laparoscopic Heller myotomy, with particular focus on outcomes in children aged 10 and younger.

POEM is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic Heller myotomy for pediatric achalasia.
This study represents the largest single-center experience with POEM in children, including those ≤10 years old.
Long-term 10-year outcomes demonstrate sustained efficacy of POEM in treating lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction.
POEM addresses a critical evidence gap in managing rare pediatric esophageal motility disorders.

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