Esophageal strictures in children: treatment by serial balloon catheter dilatation.

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Abstract
Gruntzig balloon catheters were used to dilate 10 esophageal strictures in 8 infants and children. Five infants who had anastomotic strictures following esophageal atresia repair gained complete resolution of their strictures, usually after 1 or 2 dilatations. Three older children who had strictures followed espophageal re-operation or reconstruction required longer courses of dilatations to achieve consistent esophageal patency. The technique failed in 2 chronic strictures of 2.5 and 9 yr duration. Balloon catheter dilatation, begun in the early postoperative period, is a safe, effective method for dilating esophageal strictures.