POEM Surgery at DMRC

I was Diagnosed with the Medical Condition called Achalasia. Unable to intake food or water since July 20th. After some Medication and consultation at SCB Medical I got to Know about the POEM surgery Procedure, which seems Promising for me. 

So, I avoided the Open surgery, and instead find out two Doctors doing POEM Surgery in India. Dr. Amol Bapye & Dr. Amit Mahdeo.

So, When i contact Dr.Amol on Phone, I got the appointment for Oct 13th. Which i booked and Reach Mumbai on 13th. (Helped by Jitu with Online Tickets as well as the reach the Hospital at Pune from Mumbai.

Surgery took 2 and half hours.

 

Understanding Achalasia Cardia:

Achalasia Cardia is a rare disorder of the esophagus that affects its ability to move food toward the stomach. In individuals with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle that normally relaxes to allow food to pass into the stomach, fails to relax properly. This results in difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food, chest pain, and sometimes weight loss due to inadequate food intake.

Symptoms:

1. Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, especially with solids, and sometimes liquids.
2. Regurgitation: Bringing swallowed food back up.
3. Chest pain: Often occurs behind the breastbone or in the upper abdomen.
4. Weight loss: Due to difficulty eating and swallowing.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as:

1. Esophageal Manometry: Measures the pressure and coordination of muscle contractions in the esophagus.
2. Barium Swallow: X-ray imaging after swallowing a barium solution, which can highlight abnormalities in the esophagus.
3. Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat to examine the esophagus and stomach.

Treatment Options:

1. Medication: Medications such as calcium channel blockers or nitrates may help relax the LES and alleviate symptoms. However, these are often not effective in the long term.

2. Botox Injection: Botulinum toxin injection into the LES can temporarily paralyze the muscle, allowing for easier passage of food. However, the effects are short-lived and may need to be repeated.

3. Dilation: This involves stretching the LES using a balloon or other dilating device during an endoscopy. While this can provide temporary relief, the effects may not be long-lasting.

4. Surgery:

   • Heller Myotomy: A surgical procedure where the LES is cut to allow food to pass more easily into the stomach.
   • Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM): A minimally invasive procedure where the muscles of the esophagus are cut from within using an endoscope, similar to Heller Myotomy but with less invasive techniques.

5. Lifestyle Changes: Eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, and maintaining an upright posture during and after meals can help manage symptoms.

Achalasia Cardia is a challenging condition that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and improve esophageal function, with surgical interventions like Heller Myotomy and POEM offering more long-term solutions. However, the choice of treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, patient preference, and the expertise of the medical team. It's essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate course of action for their individual needs.