Surgical management of severe peptic esophageal stricture in children

Abdulrahman al-Bassam1

  • 1abassam@ksu.edu.sa

Insights

This study shows that a specific treatment protocol is effective for severe pediatric peptic esophageal strictures. The approach involves preoperative and postoperative dilatation alongside Nissen

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Esophageal Diseases

Background:

  • Surgical management of pediatric peptic esophageal strictures is controversial.
  • Previous studies used varied protocols for strictures of differing severity.
  • This study focuses on severe strictures treated with a specific protocol.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a specific treatment protocol for severe pediatric peptic esophageal strictures.
  • To assess outcomes in children with severe strictures unresponsive to medical management.
  • To compare this approach with more aggressive surgical options.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records (1995-2000) at King Khalid University Hospital.
  • Inclusion criteria: children with severe peptic esophageal strictures treated with preoperative dilatation, Nissen's fundoplication, and postoperative dilatation.
  • Data collected: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Ten consecutive pediatric patients (age 2-12 years) with severe strictures were treated.
  • All patients had failed prior medical therapy.
  • Eight patients showed marked improvement; two showed significant improvement. Average follow-up was 3 years. Two perforations occurred during dilatation procedures.
  • No mortalities were reported.

Conclusions:

  • The protocol of preoperative dilatation, Nissen's fundoplication, and postoperative dilatation is effective for severe pediatric peptic esophageal strictures.
  • Aggressive surgical interventions like resection or replacement are rarely necessary.
  • This approach offers a viable alternative for complex pediatric esophageal strictures.
Abstract

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