I thought these were good images to compare how the normal esophagus looks vs. Belinda’s, which with is type 2 established achalasia. The top part is stretched out because the lower esophagus won’t relax and allow food and liquid to go down easily.

Final image is an explanation of the different procedures they use for achalasia. The reason we are going with POEM is because she is so young that this the the best option for her. Botox and balloon dilation causes scarring that would get worse with each treatment. Also, her esophagus is so tight there was concern that it would tear if they tried a balloon dilation. Heller Myotomy is an open surgery, with incisions on the upper chest area. POEM is endoscopic and should have a much easier recovery. This chart says that it can be difficult to find a doctor with experience in POEM, but Dr. Kane and Dr. Petrosyan have performed more pediatric POEM procedures than anyone else in the country! Considering how few children develop achalasia, that means a lot of parents put their trust in them.

Eleven days to go.