Training for peroral endoscopic myotomy

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel treatment for achalasia that is based on the principles of a surgical myotomy. POEM emulates an established surgical procedure, namely Heller myotomy, with endoscopic equipment through the mouth. POEM has been rapidly adopted into clinical practice over the past 3 years. It is a technically demanding procedure that is performed by gastroenterologists and surgeons with different training backgrounds. There is growing interest in dedicated training programs for POEM to enhance its safe clinical introduction. Training programs should help participants gain expertise in the management of achalasia and alternative treatment strategies, development of technical expertise and endoscopic skills, the surgical anatomy, and how a myotomy can be safely performed using endoscopic equipment. Training programs should also provide recommendations on how to start a successful POEM program and how to prevent the potential complications that could arise from inadequate preparation or premature implementation.