In a new medical achievement, the Gastroenterology team at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital successfully performed the first POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) procedure on a 37-year-old patient who had suffered from chronic difficulty swallowing food and liquids for 12 years.
The patient was diagnosed with achalasia, a rare disorder that causes a malfunction in esophageal movement, leading to persistent difficulty swallowing.
Despite challenges arising from chronic changes in the esophageal wall, the procedure was successfully performed endoscopically through the mouth without any external surgical incisions. This enabled the patient to resume a normal diet after years of suffering.
The operation was performed under the supervision of Dr. Sara Al-Ghamdi, Consultant Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, with the participation of a specialized team of anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and the gastroenterology team.
This achievement reflects Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital's commitment to providing the latest advanced interventional treatment techniques and its dedication to achieving effective health outcomes that improve patients' quality of life.
