Rethinking the need for overnight admission after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): a pandemic-driven approach to the future

Background and study aims COVID-19 has significantly impacted endoscopic assessment and management of multiple conditions. Our group recommenced treatment of highly symptomatic achalasia patients (Eckardt score ≥ 6) adopting a same-day discharge (SDD) algorithm and present early outcomes of its utilization. Patients and methods We enrolled all outpatients undergoing POEM at a single tertiary referral center. Patients qualified for SDD if all of the following a priori criteria were met: 1) ASA grade I-III; 2) No intraprocedural adverse events (AEs); 3) Secure mucosal closure; 4) Post-procedure pain/nausea responsive to oral medications; and 5) Patients tolerating clear fluids. Results In 17 potential SDD candidates (female 82.4 %, median age 51 years [IQR 48–64]) undergoing POEM, SDD was achieved in 14 (82.4 %). The remaining were admitted due to post-procedure pain/nausea (n = 2) and intraprocedural concerns (capnoperitoneum requiring needle decompression, n = 1). There were no post-procedure AEs or unexpected readmissions. Conclusions This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of a SDD algorithm for POEM patients and challenges the necessity of routine post-POEM hospital admission. Critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic, this may in fact constitute a changing standard for POEM post-procedure care.