Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
06:55
Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
Can clinicians accurately assess esophageal dilation without fluoroscopy?
1Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Clinicians can accurately predict successful esophageal dilation without fluoroscopy. However, confirming unsuccessful dilation requires imaging, as subjective feedback can be unreliable.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Distal esophageal stenosis requires dilation for treatment.
- Fluoroscopy is commonly used to guide esophageal dilation.
- Assessing dilation success without imaging is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of clinicians' predictions of esophageal dilation success without fluoroscopy.
- To identify clinical features that reliably predict successful dilation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty patients with distal esophageal stenosis underwent Maloney dilator dilation.
- Dilation was monitored by fluoroscopy, unknown to the treating physician.
- Physicians predicted dilation success and assessed predictive features.
Main Results:
- Successful dilation was predicted accurately in 97% of cases.
- Unsuccessful dilation was predicted correctly in only 60% of cases.
- Easy dilator passage (98%) and patient sensation of gastric passage (95%) were key indicators of success.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can reliably predict successful esophageal dilation without fluoroscopy for simple distal strictures.
- Fluoroscopy is essential for confirming suspected unsuccessful dilations.
- Subjective assessment is insufficient for diagnosing failed dilation due to potential dilator malposition.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:29Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure in which an endoscopist uses a flexible, lighted endoscope to visualize the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure includes visualizing the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum.
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to: