Why is POEM performed?
POEM is used to release pressure in the distal esophagus. This can be achieved with an endoscopy, and by carefully cutting the esophageal muscle fibers with special electrocautery knives. POEM effectively replaces the need for a surgical procedure called, Heller Myotomy, which has been conventionally used to treat achalasia. It has the benefit of being less invasive than surgery and having a quicker recovery time.