NMC Specialty Hospital Abu Dhabi restores hope to Achalasia patients in UAE through minimally invasive and highly specialized Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure

In a major advancement for gastrointestinal care in the region, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi, has successfully performed a cutting-edge procedure to treat achalasia, a rare and progressive swallowing disorder using a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure known as POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy).

The patient, a 23-year-old nurse, had been battling severe achalasia symptoms for several years. By the time she was referred to Dr. Yogesh Shastri, Consultant and Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at NMC Specialty Hospital, her condition had significantly deteriorated. She was unable to eat or drink without extreme discomfort, had become severely malnourished and was relying on intravenous fluids. She also suffered from recurrent chest infections and experienced drastic weight loss, which had forced her to take indefinite leave from work.

Achalasia, which affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, preventing food and liquids from entering the stomach. Over time, this leads to food accumulation in the esophagus resulting in regurgitation, malnutrition, chest pain and recurrent respiratory infections. If left untreated, the disorder can severely impact overall health and quality of life.

Given the severity and complexity of her case, Dr. Shastri and his team opted for POEM - a scarless, natural orifice procedure performed entirely through the mouth without any skin incisions. The technique involves creating a narrow and long tunnel within the esophageal wall to precisely cut the tight or malfunctioning muscle to relieve the obstruction at the junction of food pipe and stomach. The procedure, known for its high success rate and faster recovery time, is considered a significant advancement compared to traditional and conventional surgical approaches.

“POEM is especially beneficial and is standard of care in cases like this one, where other treatments such as balloon dilation or Botox injections are no longer viable,” said Dr. Shastri. “It allows for a tailored and precise muscle incision depending on the severity of the disease and provides long-lasting relief with minimal risk”. 

The outcome of the endoscopic surgery was highly successful, and the patient’s transformation was immediate. Within days of the procedure, she was able to eat and drink normally for the first time in months. Her strength and energy levels improved, she began regaining weight, and has since resumed her professional duties with renewed energy and optimism.

“After everything I’ve been through, being able to drink water without fear and discomfort felt like being reborn,” said the patient. “As a nurse, I understood the risks, but I also knew this was my only chance to reclaim my life. I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Shastri and the team at NMC.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “When I was at my lowest, even a sip of water felt impossible. Today, I can enjoy meals, socialize again, and return to doing what I love - caring for others - with a deeper compassion having experienced firsthand what it means to suffer. It feels like I’ve been given my life back.”

POEM remains a highly specialized procedure available only in select centers globally, requiring specialised training and advanced equipment. By offering the procedure locally, NMC Specialty Hospital is bridging a critical gap in care for achalasia patients across the UAE and the wider region and for patients who previously had to travel to countries like the US, Germany, India or South Korea.

“At NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi our focus is not just on treating disease, but restoring dignity and quality of life,” added Dr. Shastri. “Innovations like POEM are at the heart of our mission to deliver world-class, patient centered care using the latest medical advancements”.

This successful case underscores NMC Healthcare’s commitment to excellence in clinical care and innovation. As the hospital continues to invest in advanced procedures and multidisciplinary expertise, it offers renewed hope to patients facing rare and challenging conditions here in the UAE.