Best POEM Surgeon

THE BEST POEM SURGEON FOR ACHALASIA

How Do You Choose the Best POEM Surgeon?

When you need to choose a POEM surgeon to treat your achalasia, the selection of the best POEM surgeon for you is important.

There have been significant advances in the field of treating Achalasia. Whether you need

An oesophageal dilatation,
a Laparoscopic Heller myotomy, or
a POEM

Many surgeons can undertake a laparoscopic Heller myotomy however there are only a few specialists with the appropriate experience to undertake a POEM.

The process of finding the best achalasia Surgeon for you can be a daunting process.

How To Find the Best POEM Surgeon?

Here is a checklist of things to consider:

Trusted Medical Referral
Friends of Family
Google Search
Achalasia BLOG sites
Google Reviews
Clinical Outcomes
Experience and Training
Clear Procedure Explanation
Individual Surgeon
Clear Procedure Outline and Care Plan

Trusted Medical Referral

An excellent place to start your search would be your trusted General Practitioner, Specialist Gastroenterologist or Surgeon.

Your GP is familiar with your medical history and may also have other patients with first-hand experience with specific surgeons.

Referrers may have access to regular patient outcomes as well as other peer feedback, which enables these medical professionals to know who the best and most experienced Surgeon is to see.

Friends & Family

For many procedures, past patients can be a great source for doctor feedback.

It is also common to talk with other patients who can give you a perspective of not only the surgeon and his or her ability but also the preoperative and postoperative care offered. Achalasia is a very uncommon condition and so it is unusual to know someone with the condition. Achalasia BLOG sites may be useful to help identify an experienced POEM specialist.

Clinical Outcomes

All surgeons are required to participate in a regular peer-reviewed audit of the clinical results of their surgery.

Detailed data on the long-term results of their own POEM procedures may be hard to find but experienced and busy surgeons may publish their results in a Medical Journal

Patients are increasingly interested in this information and your surgeon can make this available to you so that you can make an informed choice.

Google Search

Dr Google is also a valuable resource. Not only for information about anatomy and procedure details, but also when researching a doctor’s experience and subspecialty focus.

It is important to understand that your surgeon has the focus, experience, and current training to resolve your specific problem.

Google Reviews

More and more patients are sharing their experiences on platforms such as Google Reviews and Facebook. While not definitive, they can add some perspective on a Surgeon and past patients’ satisfaction.

Surgeon's Experience & Training

Some key points in selecting your POEM surgeon can include the following:

Suitable qualifications and training in specific procedures being considered
Experience with hundreds of successful procedures
Statistics on results of their surgery, preferably independently audited
Peer recognition or third-party accreditation from a “Centre of Excellence”
Easy access to your doctor if needed
Evidence of actively participating in continuing education as a leader and as a teacher.

Clear Procedure Explanation

Having helpful information on the surgeon's website is a great sign. Information that includes:

Initial Consultation
Diagnostic Process
Treatments Choices
Operational Issues (who performs the procedure?)

PATIENT JOURNEY

Payment Options

Questions involving finance are important to most patients. Having clear information about costs prior to any procedure is important:

This information can help patients to understand how much and when payment is due.

PAYMENTS

Feel Comfortable with Your Surgeon

From a subjective viewpoint, you should feel comfortable with your doctor and feel free to ask any questions about your treatment.

Your doctor should take the time to listen to you and clear any doubts that you might have.

Ideally, your POEM surgery should be performed at a facility that is a recognized “Centre of Excellence” which would ensure that

The facility has performed an appropriate number of POEMs in the last year with excellent outcomes and
The staff have undergone training specific to the procedures,

If you need questions regarding POEM answered, we recommend you make an appointment by calling (03) 93293336

For information about Associate Professor Gary Crosthwaite please click on the following links:

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)