Commentary: Establishing poetic devices in the crafting of a per-oral endoscopic myotomy masterpiece

Evan T. Alicuben, MD, and Ryan M. Levy, MD

Central Message.

Effective performance of per-oral endoscopic myotomy is best achieved by advanced surgical endoscopists following carefully described steps.

See Article page 508.

Surgical management of achalasia has undergone a recent transformation with the development and widespread implementation of the per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure. Its popularity reflects growing interest in a less-invasive option by not only clinicians but also patients seeking intervention. There is much debate over indications for use of POEM, but through this nebulous cloud, one thing has prevailed as an undisputable concept: competent performance of POEM requires advanced endoscopic skills.

In their video atlas, Raja and colleagues¹ have delivered an essential guide for thoracic surgeons adopting POEM into their practice. The precise, detailed step-by-step description reflects the considerable experience and expertise of the authors. Each aspect of the procedure is masterfully demonstrated, from the mucosotomy to creation of the submucosal tunnel, full-thickness myotomy, and finally application of clips to close the mucosal defect. Inclusion of thoughtful tips to maintain a straight submucosal tunnel, especially for the challenging sigmoid esophagus, reflects the extensive experience of their group. The authors took a unique approach to the orientation of their videos with not just endoscopic views being shown but also direct views of the operating surgeon and a separate angle for the assistant. The inclusion of these 3 synchronized perspectives provides a truly comprehensive look at the critical aspects of the operation, and the effort put into creation of such complex videos should be commended.

The authors acknowledge that their technique uses 2 providers, one managing the endoscope controls and tools while the other maintains scope and endoscope overtube stability. Working in concert allows for increased efficiency. However, the need for a second operator should not be viewed as a negative. Mastery of the techniques described still allows for the procedure to be performed by a single skilled endoscopist. In addition, using the 2-provider technique will facilitate training of less-experienced practitioners or surgical trainees.

Working to include POEM in a clinical practice remains challenging even for the skilled surgical endoscopist. For this reason, much speculation exists in the literature on the required learning curve to not just effectively but efficiently perform the procedure.^2,3 Incorporation of the present guide in development of the POEM skillset may not just help progress through the learning curve but may also flatten it. Indeed, Raja and colleagues¹ have provided thoracic surgeons with many poetic tips for successful creation of a POEM masterpiece. However, as they carefully point out, patient selection considerations are important. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication may still be the preferred option in the management of some patients. As in much of thoracic surgery, dogmatic reliance on a single poetic paradigm is likely not the right answer.