Bangalore : Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road treated a rare condition on a 38-year-old patient by performing a unique Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure here recently. The team of doctors was led by Dr Sreenivasa D, Chief Gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospital at Cunningham road in Bangalore.

Achalasia is a rare disease of the muscle of the lower esophageal body and the lower esophageal sphincter that prevents relaxation of the sphincter and an absence of contractions, or peristalsis, of the esophagus[i]. While its causes remain unknown, this condition degenerates esophageal muscles affecting one’s ability to swallow, chest pain and regurgitation of food and liquids. The patient, Mr Ambareesh who works at a de addiction centre approached the hospital after failing to get treatment in other hospitals.

POEM is a relatively new procedure that uses endoscope (an instrument used to examine the interior of an organ or cavity of the body) to make a tunnel into the food pipe wall. An incision tool attached to the end of the endoscope cuts through the muscles at the bottom of the food pipe, that helps food pipe to relax. This enables food to move down without causing further trouble while swallowing.

Explaining the case, Dr Sreenivasa D, Chief Gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham road said, “Ambareesh had difficulty in swallowing the food since 6 months. The condition worsened in the last two weeks, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. We advised him to undergo POEM procedure as it would not create incisions in the chest or abdomen and includes a very short stay for the patient at the hospital. POEM is a much more effective and safe procedure for treating Achalasia, a swallowing disorder as compared to traditional methods.”

Talking about his condition Mr Ambareesh said, “I had huge difficulty in eating and drinking since past 6 months. It was really embarrassing for me to eat along with my family as I used to puke every time I would eat. I am worker at de-addiction centre by profession and due to my condition, it caused a lot of difficulty for me to talk and thus affected my professional life as well. I had no idea how to get over this. The doctors and Fortis Hospitals Bangalore guided me well through the procedure and today, I am back to normal. It helped me recover fast and restart my life.”