Christopher DuCoin From Tulane University: POEM Procedure Provides Much Needed Relief for Achalasia Patients

For patients with achalasia simple tasks like eating and drinking can be nearly impossible causing health problems including severe weight loss. A new minimally invasive procedure aims to to help get these patients back to a normal quality of life within a day after surgery.

Christopher DuCoin, MD, MPH, from Tulane University Medical Center discussed what the Peri-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure has meant for these patients in the short time since it was developed. DuCoin noted that one area of concern for doctors after the surgery is monitoring their patients as they put weight back on and ensuring that it is done safely for their overall health.