G-POEM is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently relaxes the valve between the stomach and small intestine. This valve, called the pyloric sphincter, keeps the stomach from fully emptying in people who have gastroparesis.
The procedure is considered minimally invasive because doctors do not make any cuts in your skin. G-POEM is an alternative to surgery for gastroparesis, which widens the sphincter.
G-POEM is similar to peroral endoscopic myotomy, which the AHN Esophageal Institute uses to treat problems in the esophagus like achalasia.
G-POEM is performed in a hospital under anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the entire procedure. Your doctor will guide a narrow tube with a camera through your mouth and into your stomach to cut the muscles around the sphincter.
Once you wake up, you may experience a mild sore throat and chest discomfort. This usually only lasts for a day or two. You may be admitted overnight for observation if needed. Your doctor may also order additional testing, like a barium study or CT scan, to make sure you don’t have any complications from the procedure. Once you are discharged from the hospital, you can resume your normal diet.
G-POEM improves several gastroparesis symptoms including feelings of fullness, vomiting, and nausea. The G-POEM procedure is generally safe with few people experiencing mild side effects like abdominal pain or sore throat. The procedure is usually recommended for people who can’t tolerate medication for gastroparesis or are not able to modify their diet enough to ease their symptoms.
To learn more about G-POEM and see if this treatment for gastroparesis is right for you, call (412) 359-8900 or request an appointment online.
