Peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia feasible in older adults with comorbidities
27 Dec 2025
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is safe and feasible in older adults with achalasia despite their comorbidities, suggests a study.
The investigators searched major databases for articles comparing the feasibility and safety of POEM for achalasia between four age groups in two separate comparisons: ≥75 and <75 years, and ≥65 and <65 years. They used a random effect model to calculate pooled odds ratios.
Six studies, including 290 patients aged ≥75 years, 2,290 aged <75 years ,177 aged ≥65 years, and 354 aged <65 years, met the eligibility criteria.
The pooled technical success rates were 98.66 percent for patients aged ≥75 years and 97.81 percent for those aged <75 years. Likewise, the pooled clinical success rates for participants aged ≥75 and <75 years were 99.01 percent and 97.97 percent, respectively.
Moreover, the pooled technical success rates were 99.69 percent for patients aged ≥65 years and 99.84 percent for those aged <65 years. Similarly, the pooled clinical success rates were 95.74 percent and 95.31 percent for participants aged ≥65 and <65 years, respectively.
No significant differences were observed in the technical and clinical success rates, as well as in the adverse events profile, in both comparison groups.
“Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder associated with halting symptoms,” the investigators said.