[Endoscopic dilatation of benign gastrointestinal anastomotic stenosis with hydraulic balloon]

Incidence of postoperative anastomotic stenosis range from 5 to 30 percent though most of them are not clinically relevant. Strictures of gastrointestinal tract (GI) within reach of the endoscope may be treated successfully with dilatation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the technique of endoscopic balloon dilatation in the treatment of GI anastomotic strictures. The procedure of endoscopic dilatation was performed in 17 patients with obstruction due to the postoperative stricture of anastomosis. In 11 patients stenoses were localized in the lower and in 6 patients in the upper digestive tract. In all cases the stricture was caused by scar tissue and had benign character (confirmed by computed tomography and biopsy). Endoscopic hydraulic balloon dilatation was performed using a pressure of 2 atm. All dilatations of the upper digestive tract strictures were successful with immediate relieve of symptoms. In 4 patients with high grade stenoses after low anterior resection of the rectum anastomotic strictures did not dilate after endoscopic treatment. No complications of endoscopic dilatations were observed. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is useful in the treatment of symptomatic gastrointestinal anastomotic stenosis, but good results are expected only in low grade strictures.