POEM Surgery Cost in Hyderabad, India – 2026 Guide

The overall cost of POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) depends on a number of factors. It can vary from one hospital to another and may also change based on the severity of achalasia, the complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s health. The main expenses usually cover the following:

Pre-Procedure Costs

• Consultation Fees: This covers the gastroenterologist's consultation to discuss the patient's symptoms and medical history and decide if POEM is suitable.
• Diagnostic Tests: Patients may need tests such as blood tests, upper GI endoscopy, barium swallow, high-resolution oesophageal manometry, ECG, or chest X-ray before the procedure. High-resolution oesophageal manometry is the key test used to confirm and classify achalasia, while endoscopy and barium imaging may provide complementary information.
• Pre-Procedure Evaluation: A health assessment is carried out before treatment to make sure the patient is fit to undergo the procedure and general anesthesia.

POEM Procedure Costs

• Hospital Charges: These cover the room and other hospital services used before and after the procedure. ICU charges may be added if the patient requires close monitoring.
• POEM Procedure Charges: This covers the endoscopy procedure, use of specialized equipment, procedure-room charges, and the gastroenterologist’s fees.
• Anesthesia Charges: The cost includes general anesthesia, anesthesiologist fees, and the services of other medical staff involved during the procedure.

Post-Procedure Care Costs

• Post-Procedure Monitoring: Patients are monitored after POEM to check their recovery and identify any possible POEM procedure complications.
• Hospital Stay: The cost depends on how long the patient needs to remain in the hospital. The stay may vary based on the patient’s recovery and the complexity of the procedure.
• Medicines and Follow-Up Visits: This includes medicines prescribed after POEM, follow-up consultations, and any tests needed to assess recovery.
• Additional Treatment: If a complication occurs or another procedure is needed, additional charges may be added to the overall treatment cost.

Understanding these different expenses can help patients get a clearer idea of the total cost of POEM. The gastroenterologist provides the final cost estimate after evaluating the patient and deciding on the treatment plan.

POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy) is not required for everyone with swallowing difficulty. It is mainly used for people with achalasia and may also be considered for selected oesophageal motility disorders, where the muscles at the lower end of the oesophagus do not relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach.

Common Conditions Indicating Need for POEM

• Achalasia: POEM is commonly used to treat achalasia, a condition in which the lower oesophageal sphincter does not relax normally. This can cause difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and food coming back into the mouth. POEM cuts the tight muscle to allow food and liquids to pass more easily into the stomach.
• Type I and Type II Achalasia: POEM may be recommended for patients with type I or type II achalasia when symptoms are affecting eating and swallowing. POEM and other definitive treatments may be considered based on achalasia subtype, patient factors, available expertise, and treatment preferences.
• Type III Achalasia: In type III achalasia, abnormal muscle contractions can occur along the oesophagus. POEM allows the doctor to cut the affected muscle over the required length and may be considered when a longer myotomy is needed.
• Symptoms Continuing After Previous Treatment: POEM may be an option when swallowing problems or other achalasia symptoms remain or come back after pneumatic dilation or surgical myotomy. The doctor will decide based on the patient's condition and earlier treatment.
• Other Spastic Oesophageal Disorders: In selected patients with conditions such as oesophageal spasm or jackhammer oesophagus, POEM may be considered when symptoms are severe and other treatments have not provided enough relief.

While POEM is a suitable treatment for many patients with achalasia and other selected oesophageal conditions, it may not be appropriate for everyone. Certain health conditions or findings may increase the risk of complications or affect the outcome of the procedure:

• Severe bleeding or clotting problems: Patients with uncontrolled bleeding disorders or those who cannot safely stop certain blood-thinning medicines may need correction of the problem before POEM.
• Active infection: An ongoing serious infection may need to be treated before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.
• Severe medical conditions: Patients with serious heart, lung, or other health problems may need to be stabilized before undergoing POEM.
• Previous oesophageal surgery or procedures: Earlier surgery or treatment around the oesophagus may make POEM more difficult in some patients. The doctor will assess the previous treatment before deciding.
• Conditions not suitable for POEM: POEM is mainly used for achalasia and selected spastic oesophageal disorders. Other causes of swallowing difficulty may require a different treatment.

A detailed assessment by a gastroenterologist is important before deciding on POEM. Tests such as upper GI endoscopy, oesophageal manometry, and imaging may be advised to confirm the condition and determine whether POEM is appropriate.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive endoscopic treatment that uses a submucosal tunnel to divide tight or abnormal muscles in the digestive tract. Different POEM variants are used based on the affected area and the underlying condition.

• Oesophageal POEM (E-POEM): Treats achalasia and selected oesophageal motility disorders by dividing tight oesophageal muscle to improve swallowing.
• Gastric POEM (G-POEM): Treats refractory gastroparesis by dividing the pyloric muscle to help improve stomach emptying.
• Zenker’s POEM (Z-POEM): Treats Zenker’s diverticulum by dividing the muscle wall between the pouch and the oesophagus.
• Diverticular POEM (D-POEM): Treats selected non-Zenker’s oesophageal diverticula by dividing the diverticular septum to improve food passage.
• Cricopharyngeal POEM (C-POEM): A specialized procedure for upper oesophageal sphincter dysfunction that divides the cricopharyngeal muscle to improve swallowing.

After POEM, patients need to follow the diet and other instructions given by the treating team.

• Follow the diet advised by the treating gastroenterology team.
• Start with liquids and soft foods as advised by the doctor after the procedure.
• Avoid heavy or hard-to-swallow foods during the first few days of recovery.
• Take prescribed medicines as directed.
• Attend follow-up appointments as advised.
• Report severe chest pain, fever, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulty, or other unusual symptoms promptly.

Follow the recommended dietary changes to reduce swallowing difficulty and reflux symptoms.