Hyderabad : Doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad have successfully treated patients suffering from Achalasia Cardia, a rare disorder in which the nerves controlling the food pipe (esophagus) fail to function properly, leading to difficulty in swallowing and other digestive complications.
Dr. Bhaskar and Dr. Venu Gongati, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologists Apollo Hospitals Secunderabad said, there has been a noticeable rise in such cases in the post-COVID period, with infections believed to be a contributing factor. Patients commonly present with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, regurgitation of food, weight loss and chronic digestive discomfort.
He said Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, Age,37, from Warangal, had been suffering from severe swallowing difficulties for nearly 10 years. Despite undergoing pneumatic dilatation five years ago, her symptoms persisted, significantly affecting her quality of life. Following the POEM procedure, she experienced remarkable relief and is recovering well.
Another patient, Mr. Ravinder, Age, 50, from Karimnagar, presented with Achalasia Cardia along with cardiomyopathy and a severely reduced ejection fraction (EF) of 30 per cent. As he was on dual antiplatelet therapy and considered a high-risk candidate for conventional surgery, treatment options were limited. The minimally invasive POEM procedure offered a safe and effective alternative, leading to successful treatment and recovery.
Dr. Bhaskar said traditionally, surgery has been the standard treatment for Achalasia Cardia. However, Apollo Hospitals is now offering an advanced minimally invasive endoscopic procedure called Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). The procedure is performed through an endoscope without any external incisions and enables patients to return home the very next day.
Dr. Venu Gongati, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologists Apollo Hospitals Secunderabad said, we are performed the procedure successfully on Vijayalakshmi (37) from Warangal, who had been suffering from the condition for the past three years. Following treatment, she has shown significant improvement and is recovering well. Another patient, Ravinder (50) from Karimnagar, also underwent the procedure successfully and experienced substantial relief from his symptoms.
The procedures were performed by Dr. Bhaskar and Dr. Venu Gongati, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologists, who said that POEM offers a safe, effective and patient-friendly alternative to conventional surgery, with faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.
Dr. Bhaskar and Dr. Venu Gongati, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologists, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, noting that advanced endoscopic interventions are transforming the management of complex gastrointestinal disorders.
Apollo hospital is committed to providing world-class gastrointestinal care through advanced technologies and expert clinical teams. The successful adoption of the POEM procedure reflects Apollo’s focus on minimally invasive treatments, enabling faster recovery, reduced hospital stays and improved outcomes for patients suffering from complex digestive disorders.