Imagine dreading the act of eating – feeling as though food is stuck in your throat, having chest pain, or having to cope with regurgitation soon after. This is a daily challenge for people suffering from achalasia. Achalasia is a rare oesophageal motility condition that impairs quality of life and causes severe discomfort when the oesophageal muscles are unable to transport food into the stomach properly. For many years, the few available treatments for achalasia were either invasive or short-term. But thanks to advancements in medical technology, the treatment of achalasia and other oesophageal motility disorders has changed with the introduction of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), a minimally invasive surgery. POEM helps people lead healthier and more satisfying lives by reducing symptoms and re-establishing a sense of normalcy.
Understanding the challenges of Achalasia
The effects of achalasia extend beyond swallowing; they can influence social connections, nutrition, and general health. Patients frequently modify their eating patterns to adjust as the illness worsens, avoiding solid foods in favour of softer alternatives or liquids. Even with these modifications, symptoms like regurgitation and chest pain continue to exist, making daily activities even more difficult. The disorder’s physical load is exacerbated by weight loss and nutritional inadequacies brought on by the inability to swallow food comfortably. The psychological difficulties are just as important. Mental health can be adversely affected by the social anxiety that comes with eating in public or the loneliness that results from skipping meals with others. This combined load emphasizes how crucial long-term, efficient treatment is.
How POEM comes to the rescue
POEM has completely changed how achalasia is treated. In contrast to conventional surgical methods, POEM is carried out endoscopically, which eliminates the need for external incisions. The treatment involves making a tiny incision in the lining of the oesophagus and inserting a specialized endoscope through the mouth. Food and drinks can now readily enter the stomach since the surgeon can reach and weaken the muscle causing the blockage. POEM has numerous advantages. Patients report better swallowing, less chest pain, and less regurgitation as soon as their symptoms are relieved. Because the technique is less invasive, there will be no visible scarring, quicker recovery times, and reduced postoperative pain. Furthermore, POEM’s adaptability enables it to treat complex oesophageal motility diseases such as widespread oesophageal spasms and Jackhammer oesophagus in addition to achalasia. POEM’s effectiveness goes beyond just providing physical relief. As they are able to eat without fear or discomfort once more, patients frequently express a renewed sense of independence and confidence. Many people consider this to be a watershed moment in their quest for a better, more satisfying life.
Are you a candidate for POEM?
Despite being a ground-breaking treatment for oesophageal motility problems, POEM might not be appropriate for everyone. It is mostly advised for those with disorders like Jackhammer oesophagus, widespread oesophageal spasms, and achalasia. A verified diagnosis obtained by procedures such as barium swallow studies or oesophageal manometry is one of the criteria that establish eligibility for POEM. Patients who have not responded to conventional therapies, such as medicine, pneumatic dilatation, or injections of botulinum toxin, will particularly benefit from POEM. Because the treatment is not age-restricted, healthy individuals who can handle anaesthesia may choose to have it done. On the other hand, people with severe GERD or oesophageal anatomical abnormalities might not be able to benefit from it. To assess personal risks and decide if POEM is the best course of treatment, a consultation with a gastroenterologist or oesophageal expert is necessary.
When to seek medical help?
Early symptom identification is one of the most important treatment strategies for achalasia. Unfortunately, a lot of people ignore the initial signs as small annoyances, which causes treatment to be delayed and the problem to deteriorate. Achalasia is characterized by symptoms like regurgitation, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. These symptoms worsen with time, moving from trouble swallowing meals to problems with liquids as well. Apart from difficulty swallowing, oesophageal spasm-induced chest pain is another common symptom that is frequently confused with heart-related illnesses. Nutritional inadequacies, inadvertent weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested meals further emphasise the effects of untreated achalasia. Seeking medical assistance is crucial if these symptoms persist or worsen over time. Complications including malnourishment, aspiration pneumonia, or serious oesophageal injury can be avoided with early management. In order to diagnose the illness and choose the best course of treatment, diagnostic procedures like endoscopy, barium swallow tests, and oesophageal manometry are essential.
Transforming lives with POEM
Despite the loneliness and frustration that come with having achalasia, POEM provides a transformative remedy. This minimally invasive therapy restores a sense of normalcy and offers long-lasting relief by addressing the condition’s root cause. POEM is more than just a treatment for individuals who have battled the mental and physical effects of achalasia for years; it is a life-changing event. It’s critical to speak with an expert to discuss diagnostic and treatment options for people experiencing ongoing swallowing issues. People with achalasia can look forward to a future free from the obstacles that have characterized their life for so long, thanks to the medical technological improvements symbolized by POEM.
Mission Gastro – Your one stop solution for POEM treatment
Offering professional care for oesophageal motility disorders including achalasia, Mission Gastro is your go-to partner for POEM treatment in Ahmedabad. Our state-of-the-art facilities and team of highly qualified specialists offer a comprehensive, minimally invasive solution to improve your quality of life. Mission Gastro guarantees individualized care at every stage, whether you’re looking for a diagnosis or cutting-edge therapy. Allow us to assist you in starting the process of relief and healing.
