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Esophageal Third Space Endoscopy: Recent Advances

  • Esophagus (PG Iyer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of the review

The novel concept of third space endoscopy was first applied to humans in 2008 for the management of achalasia through peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure. Over the ensuing 10 years, this revolutionary procedure, which started in Japan, has been adopted and mastered by surgeons and gastroenterologists across the globe. In this article, we review the recent innovations and applications of third space endoscopy in the management of esophageal disorders.

Recent findings

With experience and innovation, the application of third-space endoscopy has extended beyond achalasia, and currently, it is used in the management of other esophageal disorders including, spastic esophageal disorders, subepithelial tumors, complete esophageal obstruction, and esophageal diverticula.

Summary

The recent advances in third space endoscopic procedures have not only permitted endoscopic access to places, previously thought impossible, but also enabled the precision of surgery along with reduced peri-operative morbidity due to its minimally invasive nature. While short- and mid-term outcome studies have shown excellent results, we eagerly await the long-term outcome studies before these procedures could be established as the procedures of choice.

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References and Recommended Reading

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Malav P. Parikh MD, FACP, Niyati M. Gupta MD & Madhusudhan R. Sanaka MD FACG, FASGE

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  1. Malav P. Parikh MD, FACP
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  2. Niyati M. Gupta MD
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  3. Madhusudhan R. Sanaka MD FACG, FASGE
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Correspondence to Madhusudhan R. Sanaka MD FACG, FASGE.

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Parikh, M.P., Gupta, N.M. & Sanaka, M.R. Esophageal Third Space Endoscopy: Recent Advances. Curr Treat Options Gastro 17, 63–75 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-019-00217-6

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