POEM is an advanced, incision-less endoscopic procedure that treats achalasia and related swallowing disorders by releasing the tight muscle at the lower end of the food pipe — restoring normal swallowing with no external cuts.
| What | Incision-less endoscopic surgery for swallowing disorders |
| Treats | Achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders |
| Benefit | Restores swallowing with no skin incisions |
| Comfort | Performed endoscopically under general anaesthesia |
What is POEM?
POEM (per-oral endoscopic myotomy) is a modern endoscopic operation performed entirely through the mouth, with no external incisions. It treats achalasia — a condition where the muscle at the lower end of the food pipe fails to relax — by carefully dividing that muscle from the inside to let food pass normally.
When it is used
POEM is used for achalasia and certain other spastic disorders of the esophagus that cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, chest discomfort and weight loss. It offers an effective, minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
What to expect
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes about 1–2 hours. Patients are usually observed in hospital for a short stay, then progress through a staged diet as swallowing improves, with most returning to normal activity quickly.
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Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
POEM treats achalasia and related spastic swallowing disorders by releasing the tight lower esophageal muscle that blocks food from passing.
No. POEM is performed entirely through the mouth with no skin incisions, so there are no external scars.
POEM is highly effective at relieving difficulty swallowing in achalasia, with most patients experiencing lasting improvement.
POEM offers similar effectiveness to traditional surgery with the advantage of being incision-less; the best option is decided case by case.
