Smarter surgery may cut reflux after achalasia procedure

NCT ID NCT07178821

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Irvine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two versions of a minimally invasive procedure called POEM for treating achalasia, a swallowing disorder. The standard POEM often causes severe heartburn afterward. The new version, Sling-Fiber Preserving POEM, aims to reduce that risk by leaving certain stomach muscles intact. Researchers will randomly assign 120 adults to either the standard or modified procedure and check for reflux at 3 months and up to 1 year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Sling Fiber-Preserving POEM (SFP-POEM) procedure
What this could lead to: If it works, this modified procedure could become a standard way to treat achalasia with less risk of long-term heartburn.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial (120 people) comparing two surgical techniques. The new method may not reduce GERD as hoped, or could be less effective at relieving swallowing problems.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

achalasia Esophageal Achalasia gastroesophageal reflux disease peptic esophagitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ACHALASIA, ESOPHAGEAL GERD (GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE)

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Irvine - UCI Medical Center

Orange, California, 92868, United States

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