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Post-POEM GERD in Patients Undergoing Conventional Versus Oblique Fibers Sparing Posterior Myotomy for Achalasia Cardia

Comparison of Gastroesophageal Reflux Between Conventional Versus Oblique Fibers Sparing Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia Cardia - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04229342
Acronym
POEM
Enrollment
114
Registered
2020-01-18
Start date
2020-01-06
Completion date
2020-10-06
Last updated
2024-04-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

GERD

Brief summary

In this study, we will evaluate the incidence of reflux esophagitis between two different techniques of posterior per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) i.e. conventional POEM versus oblique/ sling fiber sparing POEM. This is a randomized trial where the patients with idiopathic achalasia will be randomized in two groups in 1:1 fashion into groups.

Detailed description

In this randomized trial, patients with idiopathic achalasia will undergo POEM using two techniques as follows. In the first technique, a conventional posterior POEM will be performed where the sling or oblique fibers will not be spared during POEM. Sling or oblique fibers will be recognized using the configuration of fibers below the gastroesophaeal junction and by identifying the border between the sling fibers and the circular fibers which is formed by the penetrating vessels. In the second group (Oblique fiber group), the sling fibers will be selectively spared and only the circular fibers will be spared. The other steps of the POEM procedure will be the same as described in the standard technique of POEM. These include submucosal injection of saline mixed with indigo carmine dye, mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling using triangular knife in spray coagulation mode (Effect 2, Watts 50), myotomy extending upto 2-4 cm below the gastroesophageal junction and the closure of mucosal incision using endoclips. Post POEM management: All the patients will be kept nil per oral for about 24-hours after the procedure. A timed barium swallow will be performed the next day and oral liquids will be started. A soft puried diet will be started from day 3 onwards. Oral proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) equivalent to 40 mg of Pantoprazole per day will be prescribed to all the patients unless a contraindication exists. Follow-up: The first evaluation will be performed at 2-months after POEM. During this evaluation, the following parameters will be recorded: symptom relief, reflux symptoms, and esophageal acid exposure. PPIs will be stopped for 1-2 weeks prior to the evaluation of GERD. Subsequent evaluation will be at 6-months for reflux symptoms and symptoms of achalasia using Eckardt scores.

Interventions

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic modality for the management of achalasia cardia. In this study, we will evaluate the impact of two different techniques of posterior POEM on the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Posterior POEM will be performed using the standard technique. The myotomy beyond the GEJ will be different in the two groups. In one group, the sling fibers will not be spared from dissection and in the second group, the sling fibers will be selectively spared from myotomy.

Sponsors

Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, India
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Patients with type 1 and 2 achalasia with Eckardt score \>3 (0-12 scale achalasia). 2. Patients with age 18-75 years. 3. Patients who are treatment naïve or have a history of pneumatic balloon dilatation. 4. Patients who are willing and able to comply with the study procedures and provide written informed consent form to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

1. Patients with type 3 achalasia cardia or any other esophageal motility disorder, 2. Patients who have undergone previous surgery of the esophagus or stomach, 3. Patients with active severe esophagitis, 4. Patients with large lower esophageal diverticula, 5. Patients with large ( \> 3cm ) hiatal hernia, 6. Patients with sigmoid oesophagus,

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Significant Reflux Esophagitis, Los Angeles grade (≥grade B)8 weeksAssessment of reflux esophagitis will be done at 8 weeks post procedure using Los Angeles grading system (grade A to D)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Clinical success using Eckardt Score (minimum:0, maximum: 12)6 monthsClinical success will be evaluated using Eckardt scores. Eckardt Score≤3 will be considered as clinical success and \>3 will be considered as clinical failure
Esophageal manometry8 weeksEsophageal manometry will be performed at 8 weeks and Integrated relaxation pressure will be calculated and presented in mmHg 5. Change in IRP pressure by Manometry ( Assessed at pre procedure & 8 weeks).
Barium column height on Timed barium swallow; Success: >50% reduction in barium column height2 monthsTimed barium swallow will be performed after POEM procedure and Esophageal emptying will be seen and compared with pre-POEM timed barium esophagogram
Clinical Success, Eckardt Score (minimum: 0, maximum: 12), Eckardt Score≤3: success, >3: failure8 weeksClinical success will be evaluated using Eckardt scores
Reflux Symptoms, GERD HRQL score (minimum score: 0, maximum score: 50)8-weeksThe symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux will be evaluated using symptom scores.
Gastroesophageal reflux with DeMeester score at 8-weeks: DeMeester score≥14.7 abnormal, <14.7: normal8 weeksDeMeester scores will be calculated at 8 weeks after the POEM procedure
Esophageal acid exposure, Acid exposure time>6 abnormal, <4: normal, 4-6: inconclusive8 weeks24-hour pH impedance study will be performed at 8-weeks and esophageal acid exposure will be calculated

Countries

India

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 10, 2026