Hungness et al. compared outcomes for 18 patients undergoing POEM and 55 patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia treatment. Complication rates, duration of hospital stay and myotomy lengths were comparable between the two groups. Operative times and blood loss were reduced, and pain scores after 2 h were increased, in patients undergoing POEM. The authors conclude that perioperative outcomes are similar for the two techniques, but that long-term results are needed.