This text is designed to present a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to the current and future status of POEM. Sections address preliminary issues faced by surgeons and gastroenterologists who are interested in implementing this procedure into their treatment armamentarium. These areas include the evolution of the technique, training and credentialing, as well as tools and platforms commonly used for POEM. Subsequent chapters focus on specific disease processes, and future applications of the technique.

Preface.- Introduction: Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection to Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM).- POEM: Concept to Research Laboratory.- Current and Emerging Instruments and Energy.- Indications and Pre-POEM Work-up.- Clinical Introduction of POEM for Achalasia: Technique.- Technical Modifications for Motility Disorders: Dimensions of Dissection.- POEM Contraindications and Pitfalls.- Learning Curve and Initial Outcomes.- Comparative Outcomes: POEM versus Balloons, Botox and Surgical Myotomy.- POEM for Chagas Disease Induced Achalasia.- Treatment of Non-Achalasia Neuromuscular Disorders.- Follow-up and Surveillance.- Treatment of Recurrent Disease and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.- Training, Credentialing and Developing a Clinical Program for POEM.- Submucosal Surgery: Pyloromyotomy and Tumor Enucleation.- Future Applications of Endoscopic Submucosal Surgery.- Index.