Endoscopic Versus Laparoscopic Myotomy for Treatment of Idiopathic Achalasia

NCT ID: NCT01601678

Last Updated: 2023-06-28

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

240 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2012-12-31

Study Completion Date

2023-05-30

Brief Summary

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Achalasia is a rare neurodegenerative esophageal motility disorder characterized by incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, increased LES tone, and aperistalsis of the esophagus leading to dysphagia, regurgitation, and chest pain. therapies for achalasia consist of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) and botulinum toxin injection (EBTI), or surgical Treatment via i Heller Myotomy; surgery is nowadays mostly performed via the laparoscopic approach. Surgical therapy demonstrated superior treatment efficacy compared to EBD and EBTI. Recently, an endoscopic means to perform myotomy via a submucosal tunnel has been developed, namely PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). Uncontrolled studies have indicated a symptomatic success rate of \>90% for POEM in short term follow-ups.The aim of this study is to compare short and long-term feasibility, safety and efficacy of endoscopic (POEM) with laparoscopic myotomy (Heller myotomy) in the treatment of achalasia.

Detailed Description

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Achalasia is considered a primary esophageal motility disorder which is defined as an insufficient relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, increased LES tone, and aperistalsis of the esophagus are characteristics of achalasia. Incidence peaks between ages 20 to 40. The most commonly reported symptoms are dysphagia (both for solids and liquids), regurgitation, and chest pain. The diagnosis is established with esophageal manometry and barium swallow radiographic studies and also with endoscopy being performed to exclude neoplastic or inflammatory diseases. Endoscopic therapies consist of either balloon dilatation (EBD) or Botulinum toxin injection (EBTI). The surgical treatment for achalasia is Heller Myotomy, nowadays almost exclusively performed laparoscopically.Superior to EBD and EBTI, surgical myotomy has shown sustained therapeutic efficacy in approximately 90% of patients which may be especially relevant for young patients with achalasia.

Recently an endoscopic technique to create myotomy via a submucosal tunnel has been developed, named PerOral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). The technique was first reported by Pasricha et al. in a porcine study, and Inoue et al. later reported the first clinical results in achalasia patients which showed significantly reduced dysphagia symptom scores and decreased resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressures in 17 patients with a mean follow-up of 5 months . No serious complications related to POEM were encountered in this initial single-center trial. Several smaller pilot studies from Asia, Europe and USA have replicated the promising results regarding feasibility, safety and short-term efficacy,leading us to hope for a similar success rate along with reduced patient discomfort At present, POEM has the potential to be the first scarless flexible endosurgical intervention to become an established clinical treatment.The technique uses a submucosal esophageal tunnel through which a distal esophageal myotomy down to the proximal stomach is performed. For POEM to be integrated into clinical routine, comparative data regarding safety and efficacy are necessary.Our study group intends to compare safety and long-term efficacy of POEM to laparoscopic Heller myotomy, the current gold-Standard, in a non-inferiority design.

Patients with symptomatic achalasia and medical indication for interventional therapy will be randomized to either POEM therapy or standard laparoscopic Heller myotomy (with anti-reflux procedure)(LHM). They will be followed up closely in a defined time pattern evolving individual life quality and achalasia scores as well as clinical scores and diagnostics over a period of 5 years.

Due to considerations concerning the comparability to other achalsia Trials (Boeckxstaens,NEJM 2011), in November 2012 primary outcome has been changed to Eckardt Score instead of lower sphicter pressure. Amendment was done before patient inclusion started. Sample size was not affected by amendment.

Conditions

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Achalasia

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy POEM

Patients with Achalasia, designated to receive a myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter, who have been randomised into the POEM therapy group

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

After lavage, measure gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) in cm from mouth piece. Determine entry point 12-14cm above GEJ at the lesser curvature site, inject 10ml coloured saline, create entry point. Advance endoscope into the submucosa, dissect the submucosal tunnel up to 2-3cm into the cardia. Dissect the submucosa close to the muscularis and check endoluminally for the direction of the lesser curvature, sufficient extension onto the cardia and mucosal integrity. After tunnel completion flush with gentamycin and saline. Start myotomy from proximally to distally starting 4-5cm below the mucosal entry site; the inner circular muscle layer should be fully dissected especially at the cardia for good symptomatic results. It is vital that the mucosa of the tubular esophagus remains intact. Extend myotomy at least 2cm onto the cardia. After completion check for mucosal integrity and opening of the distal esophageal sphincter. Close the entry point with clips from distal to proximal.

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy LHM

Patients with Achalasia, designated to receive a myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter, who have been randomised into the LHM therapy group.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Use five trocar technique with patient in the French position as for laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures. Establish 12-15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum. Use left paramedian trocar for camera, two lateral trocars for elevating liver and retraction of stomach and two trocars for dissection and suturing. Use of robotic surgery devices is allowed. Divide phrenoesophageal ligament starting on the right and mobilize distal esophagus on the lateral and anterior side. Identify and spare anterior vagal nerve. Perform myotomy by dividing both muscle-layers extending at least 6 cm above gastroesophageal junction and at least 2-3 cm inferiorly over stomach. Perform extent downwards after dividing epiphrenic fat pad overlying cardia. Measure myotomy length. Peroperative endoscopy check is advisable. Perform anterior fundoplication according to Dor. Only if necessary mobilize fundus of the stomach by dividing short gastric vessels. Suture fundus to both cut edges of myotomy, using non-resorbable material.

Interventions

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Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)

After lavage, measure gastro-esophageal junction (GEJ) in cm from mouth piece. Determine entry point 12-14cm above GEJ at the lesser curvature site, inject 10ml coloured saline, create entry point. Advance endoscope into the submucosa, dissect the submucosal tunnel up to 2-3cm into the cardia. Dissect the submucosa close to the muscularis and check endoluminally for the direction of the lesser curvature, sufficient extension onto the cardia and mucosal integrity. After tunnel completion flush with gentamycin and saline. Start myotomy from proximally to distally starting 4-5cm below the mucosal entry site; the inner circular muscle layer should be fully dissected especially at the cardia for good symptomatic results. It is vital that the mucosa of the tubular esophagus remains intact. Extend myotomy at least 2cm onto the cardia. After completion check for mucosal integrity and opening of the distal esophageal sphincter. Close the entry point with clips from distal to proximal.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM)

Use five trocar technique with patient in the French position as for laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures. Establish 12-15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum. Use left paramedian trocar for camera, two lateral trocars for elevating liver and retraction of stomach and two trocars for dissection and suturing. Use of robotic surgery devices is allowed. Divide phrenoesophageal ligament starting on the right and mobilize distal esophagus on the lateral and anterior side. Identify and spare anterior vagal nerve. Perform myotomy by dividing both muscle-layers extending at least 6 cm above gastroesophageal junction and at least 2-3 cm inferiorly over stomach. Perform extent downwards after dividing epiphrenic fat pad overlying cardia. Measure myotomy length. Peroperative endoscopy check is advisable. Perform anterior fundoplication according to Dor. Only if necessary mobilize fundus of the stomach by dividing short gastric vessels. Suture fundus to both cut edges of myotomy, using non-resorbable material.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Patients with symptomatic achalasia with an Eckardt score of \> 3 and pre-op barium swallow, manometry and esophagogastroduodenoscopy consistent with the diagnosis
* Persons of age \> 18 years with medical indication for surgical myotomy or EBD
* Signed written Informed Consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients with previous surgery of the stomach or esophagus
* Patients with known coagulopathy
* Previous surgical achalasia treatment
* Patients with liver cirrhosis and/or esophageal varices
* Active esophagitis
* Eosinophilic esophagitis
* Barrett's esophagus
* Pregnancy
* Stricture of the esophagus
* Malignant or premalignant esophageal lesion
* Severe Candida esophagitis
* Hiatal hernia \> 1cm
* Extensive tortuous dilatation (\>7cm luminal diameter, S shape) of the esophagus
* Advanced malignant tumor with prognosis \< 2 years
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA)

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Karolinska University Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

University Hospital Prague (IKEM), Prague, Czech Republic

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role collaborator

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Wuerzburg University Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

University Hospital Augsburg

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Prof. Dr. Thomas Rösch

Prof. Dr. Thomas Roesch, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Endoscopy department

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Thomas Roesch, Prof.

Role: STUDY_DIRECTOR

Interdisciplinary Endoscopy Department and Clinic, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany

Paul Fockens, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam; Netherlands

Bengt Håkanson, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Department of Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Guy Boeckxstaens, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

C.T. Germer, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Wuerzburg University Hospital

Riccardo Repici, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy

Uberto Fumagalli, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Italy

Julius Spicak, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Helmut Messmann, Prof.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Department for Internal Medicine III, Klinikum Augsburg, Germany

Locations

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University Hospital Leuven

Leuven, , Belgium

Site Status

University Hospital Prague (IKEM)

Prague, , Czechia

Site Status

Klinikum Augsburg,Klinik für Innere Medizin III

Augsburg, , Germany

Site Status

Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf

Hamburg, , Germany

Site Status

University Hospital Würzburg

Würzburg, , Germany

Site Status

Istituto Clinico Humanitas

Rozzano, , Italy

Site Status

Academic Medical Center

Amsterdam, , Netherlands

Site Status

Ersta Hospital and Karolinska University Hospital

Stockholm, , Sweden

Site Status

Countries

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Belgium Czechia Germany Italy Netherlands Sweden

References

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Campos GM, Vittinghoff E, Rabl C, Takata M, Gadenstatter M, Lin F, Ciovica R. Endoscopic and surgical treatments for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Surg. 2009 Jan;249(1):45-57. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e31818e43ab.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19106675 (View on PubMed)

von Rahden BH, Germer CT. [Laparoscopic myotomy for achalasia is clearly superior to the endoscopic treatment]. Chirurg. 2010 Jan;81(1):69-70. doi: 10.1007/s00104-009-1840-7. No abstract available. German.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19940967 (View on PubMed)

Rebecchi F, Giaccone C, Farinella E, Campaci R, Morino M. Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic Heller myotomy plus Dor fundoplication versus Nissen fundoplication for achalasia: long-term results. Ann Surg. 2008 Dec;248(6):1023-30. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318190a776.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19092347 (View on PubMed)

Ortiz A, de Haro LF, Parrilla P, Lage A, Perez D, Munitiz V, Ruiz D, Molina J. Very long-term objective evaluation of heller myotomy plus posterior partial fundoplication in patients with achalasia of the cardia. Ann Surg. 2008 Feb;247(2):258-64. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e318159d7dd.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18216530 (View on PubMed)

Perretta S, Dallemagne B, Allemann P, Marescaux J. Multimedia manuscript. Heller myotomy and intraluminal fundoplication: a NOTES technique. Surg Endosc. 2010 Nov;24(11):2903. doi: 10.1007/s00464-010-1073-3. Epub 2010 Apr 29.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20428893 (View on PubMed)

Pasricha PJ, Hawari R, Ahmed I, Chen J, Cotton PB, Hawes RH, Kalloo AN, Kantsevoy SV, Gostout CJ. Submucosal endoscopic esophageal myotomy: a novel experimental approach for the treatment of achalasia. Endoscopy. 2007 Sep;39(9):761-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-966764.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 17703382 (View on PubMed)

Inoue H, Minami H, Kobayashi Y, Sato Y, Kaga M, Suzuki M, Satodate H, Odaka N, Itoh H, Kudo S. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia. Endoscopy. 2010 Apr;42(4):265-71. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1244080. Epub 2010 Mar 30.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 20354937 (View on PubMed)

von Renteln D, Inoue H, Minami H, Werner YB, Pace A, Kersten JF, Much CC, Schachschal G, Mann O, Keller J, Fuchs KH, Rosch T. Peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: a prospective single center study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Mar;107(3):411-7. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2011.388. Epub 2011 Nov 8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 22068665 (View on PubMed)

Swanstrom LL, Rieder E, Dunst CM. A stepwise approach and early clinical experience in peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia and esophageal motility disorders. J Am Coll Surg. 2011 Dec;213(6):751-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2011.09.001. Epub 2011 Oct 13.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21996484 (View on PubMed)

Boeckxstaens GE, Annese V, des Varannes SB, Chaussade S, Costantini M, Cuttitta A, Elizalde JI, Fumagalli U, Gaudric M, Rohof WO, Smout AJ, Tack J, Zwinderman AH, Zaninotto G, Busch OR; European Achalasia Trial Investigators. Pneumatic dilation versus laparoscopic Heller's myotomy for idiopathic achalasia. N Engl J Med. 2011 May 12;364(19):1807-16. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1010502.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21561346 (View on PubMed)

ZHOU PH, CAI MY, YAO LQ, ZHONG YS, REN Z, XU MD, CHEN WF, QIN XY. [Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: report of 42 cases]. Zhonghua Wei Chang Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2011 Sep;14(9):705-8. Chinese.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21948538 (View on PubMed)

Smith CD, Stival A, Howell DL, Swafford V. Endoscopic therapy for achalasia before Heller myotomy results in worse outcomes than heller myotomy alone. Ann Surg. 2006 May;243(5):579-84; discussion 584-6. doi: 10.1097/01.sla.0000217524.75529.2d.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 16632991 (View on PubMed)

Hugova K, Mares J, Hakanson B, Repici A, von Rahden BHA, Bredenoord AJ, Bisschops R, Messmann H, Ruppenthal T, Mann O, Izbicki J, Harustiak T, Fumagalli Romario U, Rosati R, Germer CT, Schijven M, Emmermann A, von Renteln D, Dautel S, Fockens P, Boeckxstaens G, Rosch T, Martinek J, Werner YB. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy versus laparoscopic Heller's myotomy plus Dor fundoplication in patients with idiopathic achalasia: 5-year follow-up of a multicentre, randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025 May;10(5):431-441. doi: 10.1016/S2468-1253(25)00012-3. Epub 2025 Mar 17.

Reference Type DERIVED
PMID: 40112837 (View on PubMed)

Werner YB, Hakanson B, Martinek J, Repici A, von Rahden BHA, Bredenoord AJ, Bisschops R, Messmann H, Vollberg MC, Noder T, Kersten JF, Mann O, Izbicki J, Pazdro A, Fumagalli U, Rosati R, Germer CT, Schijven MP, Emmermann A, von Renteln D, Fockens P, Boeckxstaens G, Rosch T. Endoscopic or Surgical Myotomy in Patients with Idiopathic Achalasia. N Engl J Med. 2019 Dec 5;381(23):2219-2229. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1905380.

Reference Type DERIVED
PMID: 31800987 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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PV 4133

Identifier Type: REGISTRY

Identifier Source: secondary_id

POEM vs. LHM

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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