Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a procedure to treat swallowing disorders caused by muscle problems such as spasms in the esophagus.

POEM uses an endoscope — a narrow flexible tube with a camera — that is inserted through the mouth (peroral) to cut muscles in the esophagus (a myotomy). Cutting the muscles loosens them and prevents them from tightening and interfering with swallowing.

POEM is not considered a surgery, since no incision is made through the skin.

It is a less invasive alternative to Heller myotomy — a similar procedure that uses small incisions to reach the esophagus instead of access through the mouth.

Endoscopic procedures often mean less pain and a faster recovery than open surgical procedures.