Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a significant achievement, doctors at Medicover Hospitals successfully on Wednesday restored normal swallowing and quality of life for a 46-year-old patient suffering from a rare esophageal disorder through an advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. The patient, Osman Babikr Elhaj, had been battling severe swallowing difficulty for nearly two and a half years. His condition was marked by nasal regurgitation of food, persistent chest pain, and an inability to consume adequate nutrition. 

Despite prolonged medical treatment, including acid-suppressing medications, his symptoms continued to worsen. After an evaluation at Medicover Hospitals, Dr. Moka Praneeth, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist, identified a dilated esophagus filled with retained food. The patient was diagnosed with Achalasia Cardia, a rare condition in which the lower esophageal muscle fails to relax, blocking the passage of food into the stomach. 

To avoid conventional open or laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Praneeth performed a Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)—a scar-less procedure carried out entirely through the mouth using advanced endoscopic instruments. During the procedure, a tunnel was created within the esophageal wall to precisely cut the tight muscle at the lower end of the food pipe, relieving the obstruction. 

“Achalasia cardia is a disabling condition that severely affects nutrition and daily living,” said Dr. Moka Praneeth and informed that POEM has emerged as a major breakthrough in its treatment, offering excellent outcomes without external cuts or scars. The successful outcome highlights the growing role of advanced minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, enabling faster recovery, minimal discomfort, and superior clinical outcomes.