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“I just wanted to enjoy eating again”: The Medical breakthrough that made it possible

For years, Chao Gao suffered from a rare esophageal disorder that made swallowing painful. Even drinking water was difficult. But in his 30s, he underwent a minimally invasive endoscopic surgery and returned to a normal life. Today, he is not only back at work but also pursuing his long-held dream of learning hip-hop dance. “When I woke up after the surgery, I decided to live my life with health as my top priority,” says Chao, who shared his experience with us.

Eating had become painful at every meal

Chao, now 40, works in order management at Olympus Asia Pacific Business Management Services (Dalian) Co., Ltd. (OBSAP), a group company of Olympus in Dalian, China. He was in his 20s when he first began to experience physical discomfort while working at his previous job.

“In approximately 2009, swallowing became increasingly difficult. Whenever I ate or drank, I would choke,” he recalls. “It wasn’t just physically painful—it became a major psychological burden.”

At the time, Chao worked at an IT company where client dinners were common. “I felt great pressure because choking or having food come back up during a meal would be seen as impolite,” he confesses.

His sleep deteriorated and his weight dropped to 55 kilograms despite being 172 cm tall. It was 15 kilograms less than his current weight. As a Japanese-language major in college, Chao had loved sashimi, takoyaki, and ramen, but he could no longer enjoy his favorite foods.

But when he visited a hospital around 2010, doctors diagnosed him with gastritis and simply advised him to watch his diet. Because he was young, he didn’t suspect that he might have a serious illness.

Treating a one-in-100,000 disease without open surgery

However, his swallowing pain didn’t get better. A couple of years later, after several hospital visits, Chao finally received a diagnosis that changed everything: He was diagnosed with achalasia, a rare condition affecting about one in every 100,000 people.

“It was the first time I had ever heard the word,” he reflects. “I was told that achalasia occurs when the muscles of the esophagus lose their ability to contract properly, making it difficult for food to pass through.”

The doctor told him that there were two treatment options: balloon dilation or open surgery. “I was told that balloon dilation often leads to recurrence, while open surgery sounded frightening. Since I was still young, I thought perhaps it would heal naturally, so I postponed my treatment,” Chao remembers.

Later, he learned about a new, less invasive endoscopic procedure called Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM). “The idea of avoiding open surgery appealed to me,” he recalls. “But at that time, the procedure was still new in Dalian, and there weren’t many cases. So I waited for about two years. Yes, I’m a very cautious person.”

He waited until more cases were reported and side effects were better understood. Finally, in 2015, he decided to undergo the POEM procedure. Using an endoscope, doctors made a small incision at the junction between the esophagus and stomach to widen the passage for food. The operation was successful.

“I was nervous before the surgery. However, because it was endoscopic, the incision was small, and recovery was quick. I was able to leave the hospital just three days later,” he smiles.

This experience was his first encounter with Olympus. “I had known Olympus as a camera brand, but at the hospital I saw posters featuring Olympus endoscopes and realized they were also a leading medical device company. When I learned that the latest Olympus endoscope was used in my own surgery, it left a deep impression on me.”

Living each day with health as his top priority

After the surgery, Chao was able to eat normally again. He no longer choked on food or water. At the same time, his awareness of maintaining good health grew stronger and he now avoids food that is too hot, cold, or spicy.

“When I woke up after surgery, I decided to make my health my number one priority. I usually cook for myself and even bring a homemade lunch to work. Occasionally I go out with friends, but I drink in moderation,” he explains.

“Going through illness taught me the importance of a healthy diet,” Chao asserts.

His leisure activities have also changed. Before surgery, he often stayed indoors playing online games, because drinking water during exercise caused choking. “After surgery, I finally started dancing—a dream I’d had for years. It’s hip-hop. Some people might find it unusual at my age, but I’m very happy even if I’m not very good at it. This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” he grins.

It’s often said that we don’t realize the value of something until we lose it. Chao truly learned the importance of a functioning esophagus through his own experience. “My priorities in life have changed. Now, health comes first,” he states.

Finding purpose in supporting others’ health

His surgery experience also inspired him to rethink his career. Previously working in IT, Chao decided he wanted to learn more about health and contribute to others’ well-being. Remembering how strongly Olympus impressed him during his treatment, he made the bold decision to join OBSAP.

During his new employee training, the POEM procedure was introduced as part of the curriculum. When Chao mentioned that he had undergone the surgery himself, the instructor was surprised. “It was meaningful to be able to share my personal experience and show how the treatment can truly change lives,” he beams.

Now living a healthy life after surgery, Chao feels a deep connection to Olympus’s corporate purpose: “Making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling.”

“Without my own surgery, I might have thought of it as just a slogan,” he admits. “But having experienced firsthand how Olympus products helped me, I’m proud to be part of a company that supports people’s health.”

*This story is based on an interview conducted in September 2025. The conditions, feelings, and treatment of each patient may vary from person to person. Please consult your doctor for your diagnosis and treatment.

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