Achi news desk-
A new minimally invasive treatment is now available in Edmonton and Calgary to treat patients with swallowing disorders affecting the esophagus.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) said the treatment affects those with a condition called Achalasia or excessive tightness in the muscle ring between the esophagus and stomach.
The first treatment using the new procedure was carried out last year in Calgary. It involves a collaborative approach between gastroenterologists and thoracic surgeons at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Edmonton and Foothills Medical Center (FMC) in Calgary.
AHS said the procedure, called peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), involves an endoscope – a narrow flexible tube with a camera – being inserted through the mouth and cutting the muscles in the oesophagus, without the need for surgery or incisions the skin.
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Previously, patients with the condition were referred out of state for treatment if they were eligible for non-surgical treatment rather than traditional surgery.
“Patients with achalasia have often suffered from swallowing difficulties for many years. They also struggle with resuscitation, chest pain and maintaining their nutrition,” said thoracic surgeon Dr. Scott Johnson, who performed the city’s first POEM procedure with gastroenterologist Dr. Clarence Wong at RAH this year.
“Endoscopic procedures such as POEM often involve less pain and a faster recovery than open surgical procedures,” Wong continued.
Edmontonian patient Aumer Aasaf underwent the treatment in January after years of coughing and choking during meals, which also affected his sleep.
“I don’t think I’ve had a good night’s sleep in more than five years,” said Aasaf. “Getting together at the table is so important in my family and in my culture, I’ve done my best to adapt to eating but not being able to swallow is something no one should have to live with.”
Aasaf had one overnight stay in hospital after the procedure as a precaution.
An estimated 60 patients will now be able to access POEM in Edmonton and Calgary each year.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
