POEM surgery was carried out on paediatric patient in Mercy University Hospital in Cork
A young patient with a rare swallowing condition has become the first in the country to be treated with a pioneering new procedure.
The peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was carried out on a paediatric patient in Cork’s Mercy University Hospital (MUH), which is currently the only centre in Ireland now performing this highly specialised procedure.
The surgery is used to treat achalasia, an uncommon disorder characterised by the impaired relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and a loss of peristalsis in the lower oesophagus.
Dr Ciarán McDonald
The condition can lead to difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and a considerable impact on an individual’s quality of life.
Consultant gastroenterologist and interventional endoscopist Dr Ciarán McDonald said the first gastroenterology-led POEM procedure at MUH ‘marks an important step for those living with achalasia across the country’.
“Our ability to provide an innovative solution that enables individuals to recover and potentially resume their lives much faster, will have a positive impact on quality of life,” he said.
“The successful implementation of this procedure has been greatly supported by our advanced facilities, including our established gastrointestinal physiology laboratory.”
The POEM procedure involves creating a submucosal tunnel in the lower oesophagus to precisely access and perform a myotomy (cutting of muscle fibres) on the inner circular muscle bundles of the LOS involves for achalasia.
According to the hospital, Mercy’s first patient to undergo the surgery demonstrated ‘immediate and significant benefits’ after treatment and was discharged the following day.
A MUH spokesman described this as a ‘remarkable improvement’ compared to the typical four-to-five-day recovery period often associated with more invasive surgical interventions such as Heller’s myotomy.
“This achievement exemplifies Mercy University Hospital’s unwavering dedication to adopting and delivering cutting-edge, person-centric care,” said MUH CEO Margaret McKiernan.
“It further solidifies our leadership in providing solutions for complex gastrointestinal disorders. We are committed to expanding access to such innovative treatments for the benefit of all individuals.”
Traditional treatment for achalasia has included Heller myotomy, Botox injection, and endoscopic pneumatic balloon dilation.
As a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, POEM is increasingly recognised for its potential to significantly reduce invasiveness, provide quicker recovery times, and improve outcomes for those receiving treatment compared to conventional methods.
As the only centre in Ireland performing this highly specialised procedure, MUH now expects to receive case referrals nationwide, supported by the hospital’s comprehensive infrastructure which includes an advanced therapeutic endoscopy unit and a gastrointestinal physiology laboratory.
