The G-POEM Procedure: What Is It?

Gastroparesis, a condition that is characterized by delayed gastric emptying, is a fairly common medical occurrence. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, nearly 5 million people in the US alone struggle with this condition. One of the ways gastroparesis can be treated is with a non-invasive procedure called a gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM). In this post, we’ll take a look at some common questions we hear from our patients at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, such as: what is G-POEM surgery, is G-POEM surgery successful, and is G-POEM surgery painful?

What Is G-POEM Surgery?

A gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, also known as G-POEM or POP, is a procedure that addresses the issue of slow stomach (gastric) emptying. This procedure is performed through the mouth and esophagus (peroral) with a scope inside the body (endoscopic). During the procedure, an incision in the muscle (myotomy) that separates the small intestine from the stomach is made. This incision widens the opening (the pyloric sphincter) and loosens it for future gastric emptying.

Some Common Questions About G-POEM

Is G-POEM Surgery Successful?

This surgical procedure is considered effective in 85% of cases and is comparable to surgical pyloroplasty in many studies, including this one. The benefit of G-POEM is that there are no external incisions, making it a more simple procedure for patients to recover from. General anesthesia is still required, however; patients who cannot undergo anesthesia will want to consider other options.

Is G-POEM Surgery Painful?

The procedure itself will be completed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing. After you wake up, you may experience some discomfort from the scope being used. You may also have some generalized abdominal pain from the incision that was made. However, most patients experience very little pain after surgery.

How Do I Prepare for G-POEM?

Since this procedure involves cutting into the pyloric sphincter and tunneling through the inner stomach wall, you’ll need to do some specific preparations:

• A liquid-only diet for 24-48 hours beforehand

• General fasting in the time leading up to surgery

• Avoiding drinking anything right before surgery

• Pausing any medications that may interfere

What Does Aftercare for G-POEM Look Like?

Perhaps the most intimidating part of this procedure is the aftercare. Your surgeon will likely ask you to:

• Stay for 12-48 hours for observation

• Follow a specific diet for a month or more

• Not lift 15 pounds or more for a couple of weeks

• Come back for tests that will evaluate the procedure’s effectiveness at

  • 6 months

  • 12 months

  • 24 months 

How Do I Determine if G-POEM Is Right for Me?

The first thing you should do is ensure that your symptoms, which (for gastroparesis) can be broad and overlap with other conditions like GERD, are being caused by delayed gastric emptying. You can bring your symptoms to your primary care physician, but you will likely end up being referred to an upper GI specialist or reflux specialist. 

Is There a G-POEM Surgeon in Tampa Bay?

If you’re looking for a specialist to perform your G-POEM surgery in Tampa Bay, you’ve come to the right place. If you think you might be struggling with gastroparesis, get in touch with our team of reflux specialists today!