[Endoscopic interventions in cicatricial strictures of esophageal anastomoses]

Endoscopic balloon hydrodilation was conducted in 39 patients with cicatricial stenoses of esophageal anastomoses, in 12 patients it was combined with electrodissection of the esophageal anastomosis, in 3 with bougienage, and in 10 with temporary endoprosthetics. The anastomosis was dilated adequately (to 2.0-2.5 cm) in 38 patients. In one case endoscopic treatment was ineffective; another surgical intervention was performed. In another case endoprosthetics was complicated by decubitus of the cervical esophagus (favorable outcome). In late-term period of 2 months to 4 years restenosis occurred in 6 of 38 patients; the course of dilation was repeated in 4 patients, 2 patients underwent a reconstructive operation. The authors believe that in development of cicatricial stenosis of the esophageal anastomosis modern methods of therapeutic endoscopy should be resorted to in the first place, and only if they prove ineffective should the question of repeated surgical intervention be discussed. Balloon hydrodilation is the principal method of operative endoscopy in cicatricial stenoses of esophageal anastomoses, which in some cases should be combined with other endoscopic interventions (electroincision and temporary endoprosthetics).