First Pediatric POEM for Diverticulum in Iran

 Milestone Achieved in Pediatric Gastroenterology Using a Minimally Invasive Procedure

A therapeutic endoscopy team at SUMS Namazi Hospital has successfully performed Iran’s first advanced endoscopic treatment for a pediatric esophageal junction diverticulum using the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) technique. Hospital Director Dr. Mohammad Rahmanian announced the breakthrough in pediatric gastroenterology, highlighting that the procedure effectively resolves complex esophageal complications while sparing the patient from traditional open surgery.

The successful procedure was the result of a coordinated multi-disciplinary effort. Led by pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Iraj Shahramian, the intervention included a dedicated endoscopy team consisting of Hamid Razmkhah, Zahra Foroughmehr, Farkhondeh Abbasi, and Mahboubeh Rahmani. Essential support was provided by the anesthesia team, headed by Dr. Esmail Abolfathi with the assistance of Fatemeh Rostamsolat, whose expertise was critical to the operation’s success.

Dr. Shahramian explained that esophageal junction diverticula are complications of prior esophageal surgeries that can cause swallowing difficulties, food impaction, and regurgitation, often necessitating repeat operations. With POEM, physicians endoscopically incise the shared wall between the esophagus and diverticulum from within the tract. This internal approach significantly reduces postoperative pain, shortens hospital stays, and accelerates recovery for young patients.