USF-LVHN SELECT

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy; Novice Surgeon Learning Curve.

Publication/Presentation Date

6-16-2022

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel endoscopic procedure used to treat achalasia and other spastic esophageal disorders that is an alternative to Heller myotomy. We seek to define the learning curve of POEM for a foregut surgeon with no formal endoscopic or POEM training by analyzing different intraoperative factors in a single series.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES: The first 38 consecutive patients undergoing POEM by a single foregut surgeon were included in this retrospective study. Inverse curve regression models were used to analyze total operative time (TOT) and total operative time per centimeter of myotomy (TOT-CM), in addition to other intraoperative variables. Clinical outcomes were reported as pre- and post-operative Eckardt Scores.

RESULTS: All patients had type II achalasia with no post-operative complications observed. Eckardt scores improved postoperatively (median (range): 1 (0-4)) compared with the preoperative scores (10 (8-12)) (P < .001). The total operative time (median 76 minutes, range 51-129) decreased significantly over the course of the series (R

CONCLUSION: The number of cases for a foregut surgeon to become proficient in a POEM procedure was found to be 12-14 cases. The learning curve for a POEM in a formally trained foregut surgeon may be comparable to an endoscopically trained interventionist.

First Page

31348221109457

Last Page

31348221109457

ISSN

1555-9823

Disciplines

Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

35710330

Department(s)

USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students

Document Type

Article

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