• Chen-Jie Li, Yu-Yong Tan, Xue-Hong Wang, and De-Liang Liu.
• Chen-Jie Li, Yu-Yong Tan, Xue-Hong Wang, De-Liang Liu, Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China.
• World J. Gastroenterol. 2015 Aug 14; 21 (30): 9175-81.

AimTo investigate the safety and efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia in patients aged ≥ 65 years.MethodsFrom November 2011 to August 2014, 15 consecutive patients (aged ≥ 65 years) diagnosed with achalasia were prospectively recruited and all underwent POEM at our institution. Eckardt score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, esophageal diameter, SF-36 questionnaire, and procedure-related complications were used to evaluate the outcomes.ResultsAll 15 patients were treated successfully by POEM, with a median operation time of 55 min. Median myotomy length was 10 cm. Three patients underwent circular myotomy and 12 full-thickness myotomies. Symptoms remitted in all cases during post-POEM follow-up of 6-39 mo. Eckardt score reduced significantly (pre-operation vs post-operation: 8.0 vs 1.0, P < 0.05). Median LES pressure decreased from 27.4 to 9.6 mmHg (P < 0.05). Median diameter of the esophagus was significantly decreased (pre-operation vs post-operation: 51.0 mm vs 30.0 mm, P < 0.05). Only one patient had reflux, which was resolved with oral proton pump inhibitors. No serious complications related to POEM were found. The quality of life of the 15 patients improved significantly after POEM.ConclusionPOEM is a safe and effective technique for treatment of achalasia in patients aged ≥ 65 years, with improvement in symptoms and quality of life.

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