[Therapy of esophageal strictures in childhood using balloon dilatation catheters]

The authors used in 1987-1988 Grüntzing's balloon catheter for the treatment of oesophageal strictures in nine children. They were successful in eight, in one patient after burning of the oesophagus with sulphuric acid the dilatation by means of the balloon failed. These injuries must be treated by surgery. The method is safe, easy and effective, in particular in the treatment of tight, long and irregular oesophageal strictures which cannot be dilated by the standard technique, using dilatation bougies. Dilatation by means of balloon catheters is a perspective method for severe oesophageal strictures.