Z-POEM
What is Z-POEM?
Zenkers Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy or Z-POEM is an innovative endoscopic procedure to treat Zenker’s Diverticulum (more commonly referred to as a ‘pharyngeal pouch’), a condition where the oesophagus bulges and creates an abnormal pouch or pocket in the food pipe.
Z-POEM offers a minimally invasive solution to this chronic condition, which can cause uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, bad breath, choking, coughing and regurgitation/vomiting of food.
Read about the latest clinical research on Z-POEM here.
Z-POEM or conventional treatment?
Up until recently the only treatment for Zenker’s Diverticulum was open surgery (under general anaesthetic) performed via incisions in the throat or stapling through the mouth with a rigid instrument. During the surgery a stapling tool is inserted through this cut which uses staples to close the pouch.
However the conventional operation is very invasive and carries all the risks of an operation, making it less safe for many elderly patients. What’s more, the staples can loosen over time, causing the pouch to re-form.
Dr Haidry was the first to introduce a pioneering new endoscopic procedure called Zenkers Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (Z-POEM). It’s minimally invasive, making it a preferred option for the condition, particularly amongst older patients, and is now being introduced around the world.
Why Z-POEM?
Z-POEM is an endoscopic procedure (performed via a tube down the throat), which means it’s incisionless (no cuts to the neck/throat) and less risky than surgery.
Studies show Z-POEM is more effective than conventional surgery and results in fewer side effects. As well as being very safe, the targeted Z-POEM procedure allows patients a quicker recovery and long lasting improvements in their symptoms for over 90% patients and furthermore a far smaller risk of recurrence compared to the surgical option (less than 10%).
Z-POEM involves making a small incision in the lining of the oesophagus where the pouch starts. This allows the endoscope to find the thick muscle (septum) that separates the pouch from the oesophagus. Using a small knife this muscle is divided and cut so that the pouch becomes one with the oesophagus (and the sac is no longer present).
The procedure itself takes just half an hour and patients can go home after 24 hours.
Z-POEM is currently available at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in London and is covered by most private insurers. To speak with Dr Haidry about if Z-POEM is a suitable treatment option book an appointment.
In The News
Dr Rehan Haidry talks about Zenker’s Diverticulum and the benefits of the Z-POEM procedure.
Get In Touch
For any enquiries about conditions, tests or treatments, please feel free to call Dr Rehan Haidry’s medical secretary Debra Hyams on:
Tel: 0203 423 7609 | Email: rhaidrymedsec@ccf.org