This document summarizes the technique and outcomes of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) based on the author's experience and literature. In 3 sentences:
POEM is a minimally invasive treatment for achalasia that involves cutting the esophageal muscle through an incision in the mouth using an endoscope, with benefits over laparoscopic surgery of being less invasive, allowing full control of the myotomy, and preserving the phrenoesophageal membrane. Studies show POEM provides over 90% treatment success based on the author's experience of 282 cases. While long-term data is still needed, POEM appears as effective as surgery with fewer side effects and shorter recovery time based on comparative studies.