What Is the Risk for Perforation During Esophageal Dilation?

Very low in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition in both children and adults, is associated with substantial fragility of the esophageal mucosa, multiple levels of stenosis, and a high prevalence of solid food dysphagia. Case reports on esophageal dilation have documented that the procedure can cause painful mucosal lacerations in patients with EoE (JW Gastroenterol Nov 30 2007).

To better define this risk for perforation, researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature on esophageal dilation in patients with EoE. They ultimately included 18 reports that described 671 esophageal dilations in 468 patients whose EoE diagnoses were established from esophageal biopsy specimens revealing ≥15 eosinophils per high-power field. Reports of per…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors