Clinical Outcomes of Dilation Therapy for Anastomotic Esophageal Stricture

Abstract

Background/aims: Benign esophageal stricture after esophagectomy is not an infrequent complication. Anastomotic esophageal stricture requires frequent multiple dilations. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dilation therapies using an endoscopic balloon or bougie dilator and analyzed the risk factors associated with refractory stricture.

Methods: Between January 2009 and May 2016, the medical records of 21 patients treated with endoscopic balloon dilation or bougie dilation for esophageal anastomotic strictures were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: During the study periods, a total of 21 patients were diagnosed with esophageal anastomotic stricture and included for analysis (17 male; mean age, 68.2±7.2 years at the first procedure). The mean stricture length was 6.4±8.1 mm. The refractory stricture was found in 28.6% of patients, and successful relief of dysphagia was achieved in 71.4% of patients. The major complication associated with dilations was absent. Factors associated with refractory stricture were stricture length (> 10 mm, p<0.049) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.035). Additive bougie dilations achieved clinical success in 4 out of 7 patients.

Conclusions: Dilation with endoscopic balloon or bougie dilator was an effective and safe procedure for benign anastomotic esophageal strictures of less than 10 mm in length.

Keywords: Anastomosis; Balloon; Dilation; Esophagus; Stricture.