Focal distal esophageal dilation (blown-out myotomy) after achalasia treatment: prevalence and associated symptoms.

Abstract

METHODS A dataset of the locally treated patients in a randomized controlled trial comparing POEM with pneumatic dilation (PD) was analyzed. A BOM is defined as a >50% increase in esophageal diameter at its widest point in the distal esophagus between the lower esophageal sphincter and 5 cm above. RESULTS 74 patients were treated in our center, 5-year follow-up data was available in 55 patients (32 (58%) patients randomized to POEM, 23 (42%) PD). In the group initially treated with POEM the incidence of BOM increased from 11.5% (4/38) at three months, 21.1% (8/38) at 1 year, 27.8% (10/36) at 2 years and 31.3% (10/32) at 5 years. None of the patients treated with PD alone developed a BOM. Patients that developed a BOM had higher total Eckardt score and Eckardt regurgitation component compared to patients that underwent POEM without BOM development (3 (2.75-3.25) vs 2 (1.75-3) p=0.032) and (1 (0.75-1 vs 0 (0-1) p=0.041). POEM patients with a BOM more often report reflux symptoms (85% (11/13) vs 46% (2/16), p=0.023) and had a higher acid exposure time ((24.5% (8-47)) vs 6% (1.2-18.7), p=0.027). CONCLUSION 30% of the patients treated with POEM develop a BOM, which is associated with a higher acid exposure, more reflux symptoms and symptoms of regurgitation.