PREcision MEDicine In Achalasia (PREMEDIA)

The investigators will perform a randomized controlled trial to compare two different approaches to Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for treating achalasia (Types I and II) and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO). The most widely used treatment for achalasia is POEM but the current approach involves a 9 cm (3.5 inch) myotomy (cutting of the muscle) to open up the tight lower esophageal sphincter to promote food delivery from the esophagus to the stomach. This approach is very effective, with success rates of approximately 90% over the short term. However, the investigators believe that POEM does not require a full 9 cm myotomy and that the investigators can cut much less muscle (approximately 4cm/1.25inches) to achieve similar improvement in symptoms but with less long-term complications. Cutting less muscle may result in less acid reflux, which is the Achilles heel of any successful treatment for achalasia. A shorter muscle cut may also result in less of a complication known as blown-out myotomy, which causes failure of the esophagus to empty its contents and is a major cause of long-term symptom relapse. The investigators have designed this study to determine whether the shorter myotomy (4 cm) is equivalent to the longer myotomy (9 cm) in terms if symptom improvement, but with the possibility of less acid reflux and blown-out myotomy.

Given these questions, the investigators will enroll 370 patients in a randomized trial where patients will receive either the short tailored (4cm/1.25 inches) or the standard myotomy (9cm/3.5 inches). All patients will undergo intraoperative assessment of success of the myotomy by using a special tool called the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP). The FLIP will measure the opening dimensions of the lower esophageal sphincter and ensure that the myotomy is adequately performed so that the lower esophageal sphincter can open to a level that will improve esophageal emptying/swallowing. The investigators will follow patients for 2 years in a manner similar to how the investigators would follow patients after achalasia treatment in standard clinical practice. The investigators will assess whether symptoms are similar and whether or not there are differences in acid reflux and esophageal emptying. Patients will undergo follow up testing with questionnaires at intervals of 3-6 months over two years and they will have reflux testing (measure acid exposure using a capsule placed during endoscopy) between 6-12 months and a barium esophagram (X ray while drinking barium) at 2 years. The most important aim is to prove that the symptoms and outcomes success/failure) between the two approaches are similar (short myotomy is non-inferior) and the Eckardt score will be the primary questionnaire score for this study. The investigators believe that this study will help define the optimal approach to POEM in achalasia and also help us prevent complications in the future.

Additionally, the investigators will also ask participants to provide a sample of the muscle tissue that is typically cut during the POEM. This tissue will help us develop a tissue bank to help other researchers looking into the causes of why achalasia and these other esophageal diseases occur. The participants can opt out of this part and still continue in the randomized controlled trial.