Few Complications in Dilation for Eosinophilic Esophagitis

However, dietary changes and proton-pump inhibitor therapy can often manage this condition.

As dysphagia and recurrent food impactions are the typical features of eosinophilic esophagitis, dilation of strictures is usually required. The “crepe paper” type of friability and mucosal disruption, sometimes evident simply with diagnostic passage of the endoscope, has raised concerns about the safety of dilation in this patient population. Early reports suggested increased risk for complications, but more recent ones have not (NEJM JW Gastroenterol Jul 23 2010).

To investigate this issue further, researchers assessed safety outcomes in a meta-analysis of data from nine studies comprising 860 patients (77% men), of whom 525 underwent a total of 992 dilations. Eight studies were retrospective, and eight were from single centers. Some studi…

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