Intermountain Health doctors are performing a new procedure that replaces surgery in the treatment of achalasia, an esophagus disorder that complicates swallowing.
SALT LAKE CITY — An endoscopic procedure is now replacing traditional surgery in treating a rare swallowing disorder — achalasia — which affects about 1 in every 10,000 people.The procedure is called peroral endoscopic myotomy, or POEM.
Esophageal achalasia occurs when a ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach doesn't relax and other muscles don't help move swallowed food down so it can reach the stomach. It leads to coughing, choking, a sore throat and weight loss or nutrient deficiencies. The surgery involved cutting muscles in the lower esophagus to help open it and allow food and drink through. Doctors would reach the esophagus through a large chest incision, called a thoracotomy, or a laparoscopic incision in the abdomen.
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