One of the most basic daily tasks for the majority of individuals is eating. However, it is a never-ending, excruciating struggle for people with achalasia, (a rare esophageal condition), like Amlan Majumdar and Rupa Nayek. Patients’ ability to swallow and move food into their stomachs becomes increasingly difficult as a result of this illness. For months, they were both unable to eat without their food painfully resurfacing from their lips and noses due to severe swallowing issues. It was no longer only a physical difficulty; it made them feel alone and forlorn, which had a severe negative impact on their mental health.

Both patients now have their lives back thanks to the sophisticated Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) operation performed at Manipal Hospital, Broadway. The innovative process has given them a fresh start—a second opportunity to live without the constant fear of choking or the mental strain of enduring excruciating physical pain. Notably, there are several additional, more popular therapy options for achalasia. Sometimes individuals who are considered unsuitable for more intrusive therapies are provided drugs, however, they are not as effective. Pneumatic dilation is another such therapy option.

The lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-shaped muscle that divides the esophagus from the stomach, is widened by inflating a balloon. Despite its ability to provide comfort, this non-surgical method usually necessitates repetition, which means that patients must return to the hospital within a year of the surgery. POEM, on the other hand, addresses the underlying cause of achalasia and provides a long-term remedy that significantly enhances a patient’s quality of life. To restore normal swallowing function, the lower esophageal muscle is sliced down during the treatment.

According to Dr. Sujit Chaudhuri, gastroenterologist at Manipal Hospital, Broadway, POEM is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique that has given achalasia patients hope. Patients’ physical and emotional health may be significantly impacted by this illness. They may resume their regular lifestyles in a few days thanks to POEM’s less intrusive solution. It is transformative.

Following a three-day stay, both individuals were released from the hospital on January 21. For a week, they were instructed to maintain a semi-liquid diet. Soon after they will be able to resume their regular diets. Because of Manipal Hospital’s proficiency in POEM surgery, these patients now have hope. Amlan and Rupa are hopeful for a time when they will be able to enjoy life’s small pleasures without having to deal with hardship.

Priyanka Dutta