Endoscopic Dilation of Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Stenosis: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Results

Post-sleeve gastrectomy (SG) stenoses occur in about 5% of cases. Hydrostatic dilation (HD) and pneumatic dilation (PD) have been proposed as treatments, but efficacy data remain scarce. Objective is to describe long-term efficacy and safety of HD and PD.

This retrospective study in a referral endoscopy center included patients with symptomatic post-SG stenosis treated with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD). Stenosis was defined as "organic" if luminal narrowing was evident, "functional" for a deformation, or "combined." Endoscopic treatment consisted of ≥ 1 HD (15-20 mm) and/or ≥ 1 PD (30-35 mm). Initial success was defined as improvement of stenosis-related symptoms at 1 month and long-term success as persistence of improvement at last follow-up.

Forty-four patients (73% women; mean age 45.5 ± 11 years; mean follow-up 26 ± 23 months) underwent EBD between 2013 and 2019. HD and PD were used in 15 (34%) and 29 (66%) patients, respectively, (mean dilation number: 1.8 ± 1.1). Post-SG stenoses were considered organic in 10 (23%), functional in 21 (48%), and combined in 13 (29%) patients. Initial success was achieved in 42 (96%) patients, while 35 (80%) patients had no symptom recurrence at last follow-up. Perforation occurred in one patient. HD was more frequently used in organic stenoses (8/10), while PD in functional and combined stenoses (18/21 and 9/13, respectively; p < 0.001). Rates of success did not differ by type of stenosis.

Endoscopic dilation is an effective treatment for post-SG stenoses, providing long-term symptom relief. PD should be preferred in cases of functional stenoses, and HD used for organic stenoses.