Hubli, 7th August 2025: HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli, has successfully performed Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM), a scarless and incision-free treatment for Achalasia Cardia—a rare disorder that makes swallowing progressively difficult. The case involved Govind Appa (Name Changed), a 28-year-old man who had been struggling with persistent difficulty in swallowing and significant weight loss for over a year. After visiting multiple centres and receiving only symptomatic treatment, he eventually met the expert team at HCG Suchirayu. The case was led by Dr. Sandeep Kumbar, Consultant – Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology, along with Dr. Sanjeev Chatni, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, and Dr. Praveena Gayatri K, Medical Head of HCG Suchirayu Hospital.
The patient was diagnosed with achalasia cardia, a condition caused by abnormally tight muscles at the gastroesophageal (GE) junction.
Dr. Kumbar evaluated and gave options of Laparoscopic surgery and the POEM procedure (a minimally invasive endoscopic technique that avoids external incisions and ensures quicker recovery.)
Though POEM is typically offered only in Metro cities like Hyderabad or Bengaluru due to its technical demands, the team at HCG Suchirayu felt strongly that patients in Hubli should have equal access to cutting-edge care. Dr. Kumbar mobilised high-end equipment and specialised accessories locally, and with procedural support from Dr. Rizwan of Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi, successfully conducted the POEM Procedure. The patient was discharged within two days and has since resumed normal eating, marking a significant milestone in Gastroenterological care for the region.
Dr. Sandeep Kumbar, Consultant – Advanced Interventional Gastroenterology at HCG Suchirayu Hospital, said, “This young patient had been living with the distress of not being able to swallow food properly for over a year—something that affected not just his nutrition, but his overall quality of life. His case was particularly challenging because he had already undergone multiple consultations and treatments without relief. Achalasia cardia requires a highly specialised approach, and we knew that POEM would offer him the best chance at lasting recovery. While this procedure is usually reserved for high-volume centres in metro cities, we felt strongly that distance should not be a barrier to advanced care. It took detailed planning and specialised equipment, but seeing him eat comfortably again within just two days made every effort worthwhile.”
“In POEM, or Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy, we insert a flexible endoscope through the mouth to create a tunnel within the esophageal wall and carefully cut the tightened muscle fibres,” Dr. Sandeep elaborated. “It’s a completely internal procedure—there are no external cuts or scars—and it provides lasting relief in over 85% of patients. When compared to traditional surgical options like Heller myotomy, POEM tends to offer faster recovery and carries a lower risk of complications.”
Dr. Sanjeev Chatni, Head of the Department of Gastroenterology at HCG Suchirayu Hospital noted, “This case highlights how far gastroenterology care has progressed in our region. POEM enabled us to offer a definitive, scarless treatment with minimal trauma—something that was previously accessible only in metro cities. Globally, POEM has demonstrated excellent outcomes, and we’re proud to bring the same level of precision and effectiveness to patients right here in Hubli.”
The introduction of POEM at HCG Suchirayu marks more than just a technological advancement— it establishes the hospital as a regional leader in advanced gastroenterology and endoscopic innovation. Achalasia cardia, if left untreated or managed with only conventional surgical methods, can significantly diminish a person’s quality of life. By making this advanced, scarless treatment available locally, HCG Suchirayu ensures that patients in Hubli-Dharwad no longer have to travel long distances for specialized care. This initiative is a key step in strengthening gastroenterology services across the region and bringing high-end, minimally invasive solutions closer to home.