Per-oral endoscopic myotomy is safe and effective for pediatric patients with achalasia: A long-term follow-up study
Ya‐Wei Bi, Lei Xiao, Nan Ru, Longsong Li, Nanjun Wang, Bo Zhang, Yi Yao, Enqiang Linghu, Ningli Chai
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is emerging as a prefer treatment option for pediatric achalasia. However, data are limited on the long-term efficacy of POEM in children and adolescents with achalasia. AIM: To evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of POEM for pediatric patients with achalasia and compare those outcomes with adult patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with achalasia who underwent POEM. Patients aged under 18 years were included in the pediatric group; patients aged between 18 to 65 years who underwent POEM in the same period were assigned to the control group. For investigation of long-term follow-up, the pediatric group were matched with patients from the control group in a 1:1 ratio. The procedure-related parameters, adverse events, clinical success, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after POEM, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated. RESULTS: = 0.10). QoL was significantly improved in both groups after POEM. CONCLUSION: POEM is safe and effective for pediatric patients with achalasia. It can achieve significant symptoms relief and improve QoL.