Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for the Management of Esophageal Diverticula: Tunneling Forward

Abstract

Diverticular peroral endoscopic myotomy (D-POEM) has emerged as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective option for Zenker's diverticula (ZDs) and several other types of esophageal diverticula. D-POEM involves submucosal dissection to create tunnels on the luminal and diverticular aspects of the diverticular septum, allowing for precise visualization of the septum. The operator then performs a myotomy, releasing the diverticula and reconnecting the diverticular and esophageal lumens. Approaches for D-POEM vary on the basis of the location of the initial incision for the submucosal dissection; in the long D-POEM approach, operators begin submucosal dissection 1-2 cm above the septum, whereas in the ultra-short D-POEM approach, operators begin submucosal dissection directly on the septum. Observational studies and systematic reviews demonstrate consistent technical success (93.4%-100%), high clinical success (87.1%-94.1%), few adverse events (4.6%-16.9%), and low recurrence rates (0.9%-4.4%). Meta-analyses of observational studies comparing D-POEM with surgical approaches (flexible endoscopic septotomy and rigid endoscopic septotomy) have found that D-POEM may have higher rates of clinical success (RR 1.13, CI 1.05-1.22 and RR 1.11, CI 1.03-1.18) with comparable technical success, adverse event, and recurrence rates. However, further rigorous prospective and randomized trials are warranted. Early comparisons of the ultra-short and long approaches to D-POEM have not found significant differences in efficacy. Outside of ZD, D-POEM should be further investigated for Killian-Jamieson, epiphrenic, and Rokitansky diverticula