About Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

For many people, swallowing disorders, such as achalasia, make eating and drinking an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive approach to treatment that offers long-term symptom relief.

Your doctor will use an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube that allows access to the interior of your esophagus, to make a series of small cuts (incisions) internally at the base of your esophagus. These incisions help relax stiff esophageal muscles and widen any narrowing in that location. As a result, food and liquids pass easily and quickly from your esophagus into your stomach.

Doctors at Stanford are among the first in the country to offer POEM. Stanford doctors helped develop this innovative treatment as part of their ongoing clinical research to improve the understanding and care of swallowing disorders. Our surgeons have advanced training and specialize in performing progressive treatments like POEM.

POEM may not an appropriate treatment option for everyone who has achalasia. Other options include botulinum toxin, pneumatic dilatation, Heller myotomy, and, in rare cases, esophagectomy. Our team will work with you to find the treatment that meets your individual needs.