Treatment of achalasia by pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) is well established in adults. Due to limited experience and the rarity of the condition in children, there are relatively few reports in the paediatric literature. Although PBD has been reported as a primary method of treatment, there are no reports of secondary PBD for childhood achalasia. Between 1995 and 1999, five patients underwent treatment for achalasia (age: 9-14 years, M:F = 4:1). The presenting symptoms were dysphagia (5). vomiting episodes (2), aspiration (1), food-bolus obstruction (1), and failure to thrive (1). In all patients a barium swallow and manometry were used to confirm the diagnosis. Three underwent primary PBD. Two who had previously undergone surgical myotomy underwent secondary PBD for recurrence of symptoms. Dilatation was performed using a 35-mm balloon with the child under general anaesthesia. Technical success was defined as demonstration of a waist under screening at lower pressures followed by abolition of the waist at higher pressures. In addition to reviewing our results, a systematic review of the literature was performed (Medline, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase). Three patients (primary dilatation) showed excellent improvement after a single dilatation. In two cases (secondary dilatation) three and five attempts were required. No complications were encountered. The mean follow-up period was 2 years (1-3.5 years) and four patients remained asymptomatic, an overall success rate of 80%. The literature review revealed similar good results in most of the recent reports. Thus, PBD as a primary treatment for childhood achalasia has a success rate of 70%-90% with minimal side effects, short hospital stay, and good patient acceptability over an operation. We have also established the usefulness of this method as a secondary treatment when symptoms recur after surgery.