Steroid Injection After Dilation of Esophageal Anastomotic Strictures Improves Outcomes

In a randomized trial, injecting triamcinolone following dilation of anastomotic strictures reduced stricture recurrence risk.

Anastomotic strictures complicating esophagectomy are common endoscopic challenges, occurring in 20%–40% of patients. Many patients require frequent dilation. Endoscopic steroid injection has been used for “refractory” strictures, but the authors of this study evaluated the early use of steroid injections to reduce recurrence of anastomotic strictures.

Investigators randomized 65 patients to esophageal dilation with steroid (50 mg triamcinolone) or placebo injections. Half as many endoscopies were needed to resolve dysphagia in the steroid-treated group. At 6 months, 39% of the steroid-injected patients were free of recurrence, compared with only 16% of placebo recipients. Both between-group differences were significant. No injection-related…

Reviewing Author

Kenneth R. DeVault, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPhathom Pharmaceuticals

Grant/Research SupportIronwood Pharmaceuticals

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Education Universe (Co-Editor)

Kenneth R. DeVault, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPhathom Pharmaceuticals

Grant/Research SupportIronwood Pharmaceuticals

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Education Universe (Co-Editor)

Steroid Injection After Dilation of Esophageal Anastomotic Strictures Improves Outcomes

Topics

Reviewing Author