Rela Hospital Achieves Tamil Nadu First: Advanced Endoscopic Procedure Treats Rare Swallowing Disorder In Eight-year-old Boy

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November 12, 2026: Rela Hospital, Chennai, has successfully performed Tamil Nadu’s first-of-its-kind Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure on an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with Type II Achalasia Cardia, an extremely rare swallowing disorder affecting just 0.1–0.18 children per 100,000 annually. The condition affects the nerves controlling the oesophageal muscles, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. 

Rela Hospital Achieves Tamil Nadu First: Advanced Endoscopic Procedure Treats Rare Swallowing Disorder In Eight-year-old Boy
Left to Right:  Dr. Naresh Shanmugam, Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist and Director – Women and Child Health , Dr. SNK Chenduran, Senior Consultant & Endoscopic Surgeon, Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital and Dr. Dinesh Jothimani, Director - Hepatology and Medical Gastroenterology, Rela Hospital

The advanced minimally invasive procedure was performed by Dr. SNK Chenduran, Senior Consultant & Endoscopic Surgeon, Department of Medical Gastroenterology, with support from the anaesthesia, paediatric and nursing teams. Unlike conventional laparoscopic surgery, POEM is performed entirely through the mouth, without external cuts, stitches or visible scars. 

Using an endoscope, the surgeon creates a small tunnel within the oesophageal wall and releases the tight muscle fibres to restore swallowing. Although established for adults, POEM is rarely performed in children because of their narrower oesophagus and delicate tissues. The procedure was completed in approximately 50 minutes, and the child recovered satisfactorily, resuming clear liquids and a soft diet within 24 hours. 

Dr. Dinesh Jothimani, Director – Hepatology and Medical Gastroenterology, Rela Hospital, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and urged parents to watch for symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, repeated vomiting, regurgitation, unexplained weight loss and coughing while eating. 

Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman & Managing Director, Rela Hospital, said the milestone demonstrates the hospital's advanced therapeutic endoscopy capabilities and commitment to specialised, incisionless treatments for children, enabling faster recovery and an earlier return to normal activities.

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