UT Health RGV performs first POEM procedure, expanding advanced gastrointestinal care in the Rio Grande Valley

By Heriberto Perez–Zuñiga

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – AUGUST 12, 2026 – Advanced gastrointestinal care has now become more accessible in the Rio Grande Valley.  

Dr. Julianna Yang, gastroenterologist at UT Health RGV, recently performed one of the region's first Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedures, expanding access to advanced gastrointestinal care in the Rio Grande Valley. The minimally invasive treatment allows patients with conditions like achalasia and gastroparesis to receive specialized care close to home. (Courtesy Photo)

UT Health RGV recently performed its first Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) procedure in partnership with Rio Grande Regional Hospital, becoming one of the first providers in the region to offer the innovative treatment.

For many people living with conditions that make swallowing difficult or prevent food from moving properly through the digestive system, specialized treatment has often required traveling hours away from the Rio Grande Valley. Today, patients have another option closer to home.

"This milestone represents our commitment to bringing advanced, academic medicine-level care to patients here in the Rio Grande Valley," said Dr. Julianna Yang, gastroenterologist at UT Health RGV, who performed the procedure. "Patients deserve access to the same innovative treatments available at major medical centers, and we're proud to now offer that care close to home." 

ADVANCED CARE

POEM is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to treat conditions that affect how food moves through the digestive system. It is most commonly used to treat achalasia, a rare disorder that prevents the muscles of the esophagus from moving food into the stomach normally, making swallowing difficult. The procedure can also be used to treat gastroparesis, a condition that causes the stomach to empty more slowly than it should.

Unlike traditional surgery, POEM is performed entirely through the mouth using a flexible endoscope, eliminating the need for incisions in the chest or abdomen. Physicians create a small tunnel within the wall of the digestive tract and carefully divide the affected muscle, helping food pass more easily and improving patients' symptoms.

According to Yang, patients undergo the procedure under general anesthesia and typically spend one night in the hospital before returning home the following day. Because there are no external incisions, recovery is generally faster and involves less pain, minimal scarring and a quicker return to everyday activities.

"One of the greatest advantages of POEM is that it provides excellent long-term symptom relief while avoiding the need for traditional surgery," Yang said. "Patients recover more quickly, experience less pain and can return to their daily lives sooner." 

EXPANDING ACCESS

Until now, many Valley residents needing this level of specialized gastrointestinal care were referred to medical centers in Houston, San Antonio or Dallas, often resulting in additional travel, expenses and time away from work and family. 

Offering POEM locally gives patients access to advanced treatment while allowing them to recover near the people and support systems they know best.  

Yang said UT Health RGV plans to continue expanding advanced endoscopic services for patients across South Texas, helping ensure more people can receive specialized care without leaving the region.

"We want patients to know they don't always have to travel outside the Rio Grande Valley to receive innovative, high-quality care," Yang said. "Our greatest measure of success is seeing patients regain the ability to eat comfortably, improve their quality of life and return to the activities they enjoy while receiving exceptional care close to home."

For more information about gastrointestinal services at UT Health RGV, visit uthealthrgv.org.