Northeast India’s First POEM for Achalasia Cardia Successfully Performed at Apollo Hospitals, Guwahati

Apollo Hospitals Guwahati has marked a significant milestone in gastrointestinal care by successfully performing Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). It is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure used to treat Achalasia Cardia, a chronic swallowing disorder. This is the first reported instance of POEM being performed in Northeast India, bringing world-class treatment closer to patients in the region.

The procedure was performed at Apollo Hospital Guwahati by the gastroenterology team led by Dr Roshan Agarwala and Dr Kamal Chetri. Since its introduction, the team has successfully performed 18 POEM procedures, with patients showing marked improvement in swallowing and relief from associated symptoms like regurgitation, vomiting, and weight loss.

Achalasia Cardia occurs due to abnormal tightening of the oesophageal muscles, preventing food from passing smoothly into the stomach. POEM addresses this by using an endoscope to precisely cut the inner muscle layer of the oesophagus, relieving the obstruction without external incisions. Compared to conventional surgery, the procedure is associated with reduced post-procedure discomfort and shorter hospital stays.

Until recently, patients from Assam and other northeastern states had to travel to metropolitan cities of other regions for this specialised treatment. The availability of POEM in Guwahati significantly reduces that burden.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr Roshan Agarwala said that the introduction of POEM underscores Apollo Hospitals Guwahati’s commitment to broadening access to advanced gastrointestinal care in the region. He emphasised that the hospital aims not only to treat disease, but also to ensure that patients across Assam and northeastern states benefit from the most advanced, safe, and minimally invasive treatment options available globally.