Stenting Refractory Esophageal Strictures

For most patients with benign esophageal strictures, dilation with bougies or balloons for only a few seconds will relieve dysphagia. This observation suggests that prolonged dilation via esophageal stenting might create a more durable effect in strictures that are highly resistant to standard endoscopic dilation, such as those associated with radiation therapy, caustic ingestion, or surgical anastomosis.

To evaluate this possibility, investigators conducted a prospective trial among 40 patients with biopsy-proven benign esophageal strictures that remained refractory despite dilation every 2 to 4 weeks. Twelve of the strictures were anastomotic, 8 corrosive, and 7 radiation induced; the remainder were pill induced, post-traumatic, peptic, or…