ThP3.5 - A systematic review of comparing the outcomes of per-oral endoscopic myotomy vs pneumatic dilation in patients diagnosed with achalasia Free

The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the success rate of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) versus pneumatic dilation (PD) for patients with achalasia.

Studies reporting success rates and symptoms in patients undergoing POEM versus PD were selected from medical electronic databases and meta-analysis was conducted by following the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration using statistical software RevMan version 5.

Four studies on 319 patients reporting success rates and Eckardt scores were included. In the random effect model analysis, the success rate [odds ratio (OR) 6.22, 95%, CI (3.23, 11.97), Z = 5.47, p = 0.00001] favoured the PD and there was no heterogeneity (Tau² = 0; Chi² = 1.29, df = 2 (P = 0.53; I² = 0 %) among included studies. Eckardt scores [mean difference -0.36, 95%, CI (-0.76, 0.03), Z = 1.79, p = 0.07] suggesting the achalasia symptoms severity was also similar in both interventions. There was moderate heterogeneity (Tau² = 0.10; Chi² = 7.47, df = 3 (P = 0.06; I² = 60 %) among the included studies.

The POEM seems to be more successful when compared to the PD for patients with achalasia. On comparison of Eckardt score, there was no statistical difference seen between the two groups.