Hyderabad: Docs at KIMS perform rare endoscopic surgery on boy who was unable to swallow solid food

Hyderabad: A 10-year-old boy from Visakhapatnam, who was unable to swallow solid food for nearly two years, has regained the ability to eat normally after undergoing a rare, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery at KIMS Hospital, Seethammadhara.

Rare Childhood Disorder

Doctors identified the child’s condition as Achalasia Cardia, a disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle connecting the esophagus and stomach, fails to relax properly, preventing food from entering the stomach. The boy had experienced severe swallowing difficulty and had lost about four kilograms in weight.

“Achalasia Cardia is extremely rare, especially in children, affecting only about 1 to 1.5 people per 100,000 population,” said Dr. Chalapathi Rao Achanta, Chief Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist at KIMS.

The diagnosis was confirmed through endoscopy and esophageal manometry, which assesses the muscle movements of the food pipe.

Endoscopic Treatment Through the Mouth

To treat the condition, doctors performed a procedure known as Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). The technique involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth to cut the tight muscle fibers of the lower esophagus, allowing food to pass freely into the stomach.

“We performed a procedure called POEM (Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy), which avoids external incisions and is done entirely through the mouth using an endoscope. The surgery was successful, and within 24 hours, the boy was able to eat normally again,” said Dr. Achanta.

Quick Recovery and Long-Term Outcome

According to the doctors, the child’s recovery was rapid. Within a day, he could eat soft foods, and over the following weeks, his appetite and nutrition improved significantly.

“At a two-month follow-up, the child had gained five kilograms, marking a significant recovery,” Dr. Achanta added.

Proven Track Record

KIMS Hospital, Seethammadhara, has performed more than 75 POEM procedures over the past five years. “Our patients have returned to normal life without major complications. It has proven to be an effective and safe solution for treating Achalasia Cardia,” said Dr. Achanta.

The hospital team noted that early diagnosis and minimally invasive interventions like POEM can drastically improve outcomes for patients suffering from rare esophageal motility disorders.