This CME activity consists of the ASGE video, Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Achalasia (DV062), followed by a post-assessment and evaluation.

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder of unknown cause. Recently, POEM has been developed as an incisionless endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia patients. Using submucosal tunnel technique, esophageal circular muscle and lower esophageal sphincter are dissected. As a pure NOTES, it has shown comparable treatment outcome and accepted as less invasive surgery rather than laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy. This program includes examinations and preparation before POEM, procedural techniques, post-procedure care. In the chapter of POEM procedure, endoscopic technique is demonstrated with detailed video clips. POEM procedure consists of five cardinal steps including creation of mucosal entry, creation of submucosal tunnel, identification of the esophagogastric junction, endoscopic myotomy and closure of mucosal entry. Also, this program focuses on delivering a comprehensive, evidence-based review of advantages of POEM, international POEM survey data and learning curve. In final chapter, an actual case will give the practical information to beginner as well as advanced endoscopists.

See a preview of this video content here.

Practicing gastroenterologists, gastroenterology fellows and trainees, medical residents, physician assistants and nurses.

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants will be able to:

• Diagnose and evaluate achalasia patients.

• Describe POEM procedure.

• Perform POEM procedure more effectively and safely in clinical practice.

Expected Time of Activity Completion:  30 Minutes 

Windows Requirements: Operating system: Windows 7+
Browser: Internet Explorer 8+, Firefox 10+, Google Chrome 10+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection
Flash: Adobe® Flash® Player 12+

Macintosh Requirements:
Operating system: Mac OS X 10.6.8+
Browser: Mozilla Firefox 10+, Safari 5+, Google Chrome 10+
Internet connection: DSL, cable modem, or other high-speed connection
Flash: Adobe® Flash® Player 12+

This CME activity consists of an ASGE video, followed by a post-assessment.  All materials required to complete the activity, including the video, are contained within the activity.

To complete this activity,
1. View the video.
2. Complete the Post –assessment by selecting the single best answer for each multiple choice question. You will be able to change your answer at any time until you click on the finish button. Multiple attempts are given and each question must be answered correctly before proceeding to the next question. Persons scoring 100% pass the test and can print a CME certificate. Exams can be saved to access at a later date.
3. Complete the Evaluation.

You may complete the activity in one sitting, or you may save your work in progress and complete it at a later date. However, to earn CME credits, you must complete the activity prior to the CME expiration date. 

In order to claim credit, you must complete the Post-assessment and Evaluation. Completed CME will be tracked in your account and you can print a record of this CME activity at any time. 

For technical difficulties, please contact ASGE between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm Central Time at 1-866-353-ASGE (2743). For questions related to content or CME credits, please email education@asge.org.