April 24, 2024
Collaboration brings new minimally invasive procedure in Alberta
EDMONTON — Albertans can now access a minimally invasive procedure to treat swallowing disorders in the esophagus at hospitals in Edmonton and Calgary thanks to a collaborative treatment approach performed by a gastroenterologist and thoracic surgeon.
For years, some Albertans with achalasia — an excessive tightness of the ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach — would be referred out of province for treatment if they were eligible for a non-surgical procedure rather than traditional surgery.
Recently, gastroenterologists and thoracic surgeons at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Edmonton and Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) in Calgary have collaborated to offer the minimally invasive procedure: peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). During the procedure, an endoscope — a narrow flexible tube with a camera — is inserted through the mouth and cuts the muscles in the esophagus, without the need for surgery or incisions in the skin.
“We have been working for years towards a program that sees specialists in Edmonton and Calgary treating Albertans in Alberta,” says thoracic surgeon Dr. Scott Johnson, who performed the city’s first POEM procedure with gastroenterologist Dr. Clarence Wong at RAH this year.
“Patients with achalasia have often been suffering with difficulties swallowing for many years. They also struggle with regurgitation, chest pain and maintaining their nutrition. It is wonderful to see gastroenterology and thoracic surgery programs coming together to provide a treatment option with minimal pain and immediate results.”
It’s estimated 60 patients will now be able to access POEM in Edmonton and Calgary annually. The first POEM procedure in Alberta was performed at FMC in this past October; since then,
15 patients have received POEM in the two Alberta hospitals.
“Endoscopic procedures like POEM often mean less pain and a faster recovery than open surgical procedures,” says Dr. Wong. “The option to perform this procedure locally means Albertans can access care closer to home, without the added expense with out of province travel.”
Edmonton resident Aumer Aasaf was scheduled for POEM in Vancouver this past January but cancelled that appointment when offered the opportunity be the second patient to receive the treatment option at RAH.
For years, food had become trapped in his esophagus because the muscles wouldn’t relax. Coughing and choking had become the norm for any meal, and his nights were plagued by insomnia due to choking.
“I don’t think I’ve had a good night’s sleep in more than five years,” says Aasaf. “Coming together at the table is so important in my family and in my culture, I’ve done my best to adapt to eating but not being able to swallow is something no one should have to live with.”
Aasaf had one overnight stay in hospital after the procedure as a precaution.
“I felt amazing in the morning,” he says. “It was the best sleep I had in years. I experienced some discomfort swallowing as I slowly introduced foods to my diet, but the relief I felt from the procedure was immediate. My quality of life has skyrocketed.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
