Medical experts at Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai, have successfully treated two patients suffering from rare swallowing disorders using advanced scarless endoscopic techniques.

  • Advanced D-POEM and Z-POEM endoscopic techniques were employed.
  • Patients included 73-year-old Bernath Mary from India and 75-year-old Theo Helene Baetens from Belgium.
  • The procedures were performed without any external incisions or scars.

Medical specialists at Gleneagles Hospital in Perumbakkam, Chennai, have achieved a significant clinical milestone by successfully treating two patients suffering from rare swallowing disorders. Utilizing cutting-edge, scarless endoscopic techniques, the medical team provided relief to patients struggling with severe gastrointestinal complications.

Dr. B. Mahadevan, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at Gleneagles Hospitals (part of the Fortis Network), revealed during a press conference that the patients involved were 73-year-old Bernath Mary from Ariyalur district and 75-year-old Theo Helene Baetens from Belgium. Ms. Mary faced extreme difficulty in swallowing food, while Mr. Baetens suffered from the regurgitation of undigested food.

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Advanced Surgical Modalities

To address these complex conditions, the surgical team performed highly specialized procedures: Diverticular Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (D-POEM) and Zenker’s Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (Z-POEM). These advanced endoscopic surgeries allow surgeons to treat esophageal motility issues through natural openings, eliminating the need for traditional invasive incisions.

The shift toward scarless endoscopic myotomy represents a paradigm shift in treating complex esophageal motility disorders.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the successful treatment of an international patient from Belgium highlights India's growing dominance in the global medical tourism sector. The ability to perform high-end, specialized procedures like Z-POEM positions Indian healthcare institutions as preferred destinations for complex surgical interventions worldwide.

The successful outcome for both patients, who have now returned to normal eating patterns, underscores the efficacy of minimally invasive technology. Dr. S. Niranjani, Chief Operating Officer and Hospital Head, emphasized the importance of such technological integration in modern gastroenterology.

Did You Know?: Endoscopic surgery uses specialized cameras and tools passed through natural body openings, resulting in significantly faster recovery times compared to open surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between D-POEM and Z-POEM?
Both are endoscopic procedures used to treat swallowing issues, but they target different anatomical locations and types of diverticula in the esophagus.

2. Is the recovery time faster for scarless surgery?
Yes, because there are no external wounds to heal, patients typically experience much shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to daily activities.