Best Practices When Using POEM to Treat Achalasia: AGA Clinical Update (Medscape)

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released updated best practices for peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a treatment for achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders. The guidelines highlight POEM’s effectiveness compared to traditional methods, the importance of individualized treatment approaches, and key considerations such as tunnel orientation, antibiotic prophylaxis, and post-procedure reflux management. The update also emphasizes long-term surveillance due to the chronic nature of achalasia and the potential risks of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer. The article gives insights on the latest recommendations and expert perspectives on POEM’s evolving role in gastroenterology.