New therapies for esophageal strictures in children

Giulia Angelino1, Renato Tambucci, Filippo Torroni

  • 1Digestive Endoscopy and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - Scientific Institute for Research and Healthcare, Rome, Italy.

Insights

This review covers new treatments for benign esophageal strictures in children, focusing on dilation techniques and new therapies for difficult cases. Research continues for safer, less invasive options in pediatric esophageal stricture management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Benign esophageal strictures are a significant concern in pediatric care.
  • Esophageal dilation remains the primary treatment modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in therapeutic strategies for pediatric benign esophageal strictures.
  • To discuss current knowledge on esophageal dilations and explore new adjuvant treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on esophageal dilations (balloon and bougie).
  • Examination of evidence for adjuvant therapies: endoscopic incisional therapy, stenting, mitomycin C, and steroids.

Main Results:

  • Evidence for superiority of specific dilation techniques is insufficient; ongoing studies aim to clarify this.
  • Recurrent and refractory strictures pose challenges; current adjuvant therapies lack widespread feasibility, efficacy, and safety.

Conclusions:

  • Recent years show encouraging results in managing pediatric esophageal strictures.
  • Further research is necessary for secure, reproducible, and minimally invasive treatment options.
Abstract

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