The Learning Curve for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Latin America: A Slide to the Right?

Background/aims: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used for achalasia in Latin America, where Chagas disease is prevalent, and this makes POEM more challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for POEM in Latin America.

Methods: Patients undergoing POEM in Latin America with a single operator were included from a prospective registry over 4 years.

How does per-oral endoscopic myotomy compare to Heller myotomy? The Latin American perspective.

 Both Heller myotomy (HM) and per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are efficacious therapies for achalasia. The efficacy and safety of POEM vs HM in Latin America and specifically in patients with Chagas disease is unknown.  Consecutive patients undergoing either HM or POEM for achalasia were included from nine Latin American centers in a prospective registry over 5 years.