Balloon or scope? new trial seeks best fix for Kids' swallowing problem

NCT ID NCT07167355

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will compare two procedures—balloon dilation and per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)—in 70 children aged 3–17 with achalasia cardia, a condition where the esophagus can't push food into the stomach. Children will be randomly assigned to one procedure, and if it fails, they can switch to the other. The goal is to see which approach better relieves symptoms like trouble swallowing and chest pain over one year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Balloon dilation and per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM)
What this could lead to
If this trial succeeds, it could provide clear evidence on which procedure is safer and more effective for children with achalasia, helping guide treatment decisions.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small trial (70 children) and results may not apply to all cases. Both procedures carry risks like perforation or reflux, and one may not be clearly better than the other.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Esophageal Achalasia idiopathic achalasia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.