Achalasia

This study follows 200 adults with achalasia who undergo a procedure called POEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy). The goal is to see if the procedure safely reduces chest pain and swallowing problems. Researchers will review past and future patient records up to 180 days after the p…

This study tests whether giving anti-viral medication to kill the shingles virus (VZV) living in the gut can improve symptoms of achalasia, a severe swallowing disorder. Researchers will enroll 40 adults with achalasia and measure changes in swallowing, pain, and weight. The goal…

This study compares two methods of preventing bleeding during a procedure called POEM, used to treat swallowing disorders. The standard method uses carbon dioxide gas, while the new method uses water to help seal blood vessels. Researchers will enroll 120 adults to see if the wat…

This study tests whether a Botox injection into the stomach valve works as well as a surgical cut to prevent food from emptying too slowly after esophagus removal. About 170 adults having elective esophagectomy will be randomly assigned to one of the two procedures. Researchers w…

This study tests a new device called SpydrBlade Flex for a procedure that helps people with achalasia, a condition where the esophagus doesn't relax properly, making swallowing difficult. The device uses radiofrequency and microwave energy to cut muscle. Researchers will check if…

This study compares two strategies for preventing acid reflux after POEM surgery for achalasia: taking a PPI (Lansoprazole) every day for a year versus taking it only when reflux symptoms occur. About 132 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The goal i…

This study will follow 600 adults who are already scheduled to receive a standard procedure called POEM, which uses a scope to cut tight muscles in the throat or stomach. The goal is to see how well the procedure works over time for conditions like achalasia, gastroparesis, and Z…

This study tests a magnetically controlled capsule endoscope—a tiny camera you swallow—to painlessly screen the esophagus and stomach. Researchers will compare different swallowing protocols to see which gives the best view of the Z-line and other areas. 300 patients already sche…

This study looks at how safe and effective a new device, the Speedboat UltraSlim™, is when used for a surgery called POEM in people with achalasia or other throat muscle problems. The surgery is already standard care, and researchers will track symptom improvement and any side ef…

This study compares a shorter muscle cut (4-5 cm) during a procedure called POEM to the standard longer cut (8-10 cm) for people with certain swallowing disorders. The goal is to see if the shorter cut works just as well at relieving symptoms like trouble swallowing and chest pai…

This study compares two versions of a procedure called POEM for people with achalasia, a condition where the esophagus doesn't relax properly, making swallowing difficult. About 52 adults with type I or II achalasia will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard circula…

This study aims to collect medical data and biological samples (blood, urine, stool, and tissue) from up to 4,000 adults with known or suspected gastrointestinal diseases. Participants receive standard medical care at the NIH, and any extra samples or leftover tissue from procedu…

This study compares two techniques—esophageal manometry and EndoFLIP balloon measurements—to evaluate how well they assess swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Researchers will enroll up to 1,000 patients with known esophageal conditions to see how these measurements relate to sy…

This study looks at 200 adults to compare acid reflux-related damage in two groups: people who had a procedure called POEM for achalasia (a swallowing disorder) and people without any swallowing problems. Researchers will use endoscopy and acid monitoring to see if the pattern of…

This study observes how doctors decide the length of the muscle cut during POEM surgery for people with swallowing disorders like achalasia. Researchers will follow 200 adults for 2 years, tracking symptoms and whether retreatment is needed. The goal is to see if tailoring the su…

This study is collecting medical history, blood, and tissue samples from 7,000 people with esophageal disorders like GERD or Barrett's esophagus. Researchers hope to find genetic or protein markers that signal a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer. The goal is to enable e…

This study tests an artificial intelligence tool that helps doctors see blood vessels during endoscopic procedures for achalasia or tumors. The AI aims to reduce the risk of bleeding and injury by spotting vessels faster and more accurately. Twenty participants will be enrolled t…

This study is creating a large database of information from 10,000 people with esophagus problems like GERD, achalasia, and other motility disorders. Researchers will collect data from standard tests to better understand these conditions. The goal is to improve diagnosis and trea…

This study looks at whether malnutrition increases the risk of breathing and kidney problems in people with achalasia undergoing POEM surgery. Researchers will track 60 adults for signs like high carbon dioxide levels and kidney stress. The goal is to better understand which pati…

This study looks at how muscle scarring in the esophagus relates to swallowing problems in people with achalasia. Researchers will use a special probe and muscle biopsies to measure scarring and muscle function. The goal is to better understand the disease so doctors can treat it…

This study looks at whether a special green dye (indocyanine green) can help surgeons see and fix leaks during laparoscopic Heller-Dor surgery for achalasia, a condition that makes swallowing difficult. About 70 adults with type I or II achalasia will take part. The dye is inject…