Esophageal stenosis: treatment with balloon catheters.

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Abstract
A total of 84 balloon dilatations were performed in 40 patients who had esophageal strictures. Of these patients, 31 who had benign diseases improved, and the procedure proved to be safe, reliable and easy to perform; in 77% of these patients, only 1 or 2 dilatations were necessary. In 10 patients who had previously undergone treatment with bougienage, the symptom-free interval of 9.3 mo. following balloon dilatation is 4 times longer than that experienced following bougienage. In patients who have malignant disease, though the symptom-free intervals are short, the procedure can be repeated easily and is accepted well by patients so that palliation can be achieved. Since only readily controlled transverse forces act in the balloon therapy, rupture is virtually eliminated, while the use of a flexible angiographic guidewire to traverse the strictures practically excludes perforation. Balloon dilatation offers distinct advantages compared with bougienage for the treatment of esophageal strictures.