... WhatsApp

Two Procedures Work Equally Well for Type III Achalasia

You are here >> Home > Latest Updates >Achalasia Cardia > Two Procedures…

Per oral endoscopic myotomy and laparoscopic Heller myotomy show similar outcomes in type III achalasia.DOI 10.1016j.gassur.2026.102331

Achalasia is a condition where the esophagus has trouble pushing food into the stomach. People often experience difficulty swallowing, chest discomfort, or food getting stuck. Doctors classify achalasia into three types, and Type III is considered the most challenging to treat.
Two main procedures are used to help patients swallow better:
⦿ Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) – a minimally invasive procedure done through an endoscope passed through the mouth.
⦿ Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) – a keyhole surgery that cuts the tight muscle at the lower end of the esophagus.
Guidelines often suggest POEM for Type III achalasia, but this study compared both procedures directly. Researchers looked at 46 patients who had one of the two treatments.
The results showed that both procedures worked equally well. About the same number of patients in each group had improvement in symptoms after treatment. The most common remaining symptom was difficulty swallowing, but overall many patients felt better.
Some patients needed additional procedures later, and this happened at similar rates in both groups. Patients who had POEM were slightly more likely to need more than one follow-up treatment.
The findings suggest that both POEM and Heller myotomy are effective options for treating Type III achalasia. The best choice may depend on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s experience.

Rate this post
Dr. Harsh J Shah
Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.