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Balloon-dilatation of esophageal strictures in children
Insights
Balloon-catheter dilatation is effective for benign esophageal strictures in children, offering a safe alternative to traditional methods. This technique, particularly useful after esophageal atresia surgery, shows promising results with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Interventional Endoscopy
- Surgical Complication Management
Background:
- Benign esophageal strictures are a known complication following surgical repair of esophageal atresia.
- Traditional treatment involves dilatation using bougies, which can be invasive and carry risks.
- Balloon-catheter dilatation is established for adult esophageal strictures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of balloon-catheter dilatation for benign esophageal strictures in pediatric patients.
- To compare balloon-catheter dilatation with traditional bougie dilatation.
- To assess the suitability of balloon-catheter dilatation for children with post-operative esophageal strictures.
Main Methods:
- A series of 10 pediatric patients with benign esophageal strictures underwent balloon-catheter dilatation.
- Strictures in all patients developed secondary to esophageal atresia repair with end-to-end anastomosis.
- The procedure was performed using sedation where possible, avoiding general anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Balloon-catheter dilatation proved effective in treating benign esophageal strictures in all 10 pediatric patients.
- The outcomes were comparable or superior to traditional bougie dilatation methods.
- Complications associated with balloon-catheter dilatation were minimal and negligible in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Balloon-catheter dilatation is a safe and effective treatment for benign esophageal strictures in children, especially those arising after esophageal atresia surgery.
- This method offers advantages over bougie dilatation, including fewer complications and the potential for sedation instead of general anesthesia.
- Pediatric balloon-catheter esophageal dilatation is recommended for clinical practice.
Abstract:
Dilatation of benign esophageal strictures by means of a balloon-catheter is a well-established procedure in adults. This method is also useful in children. The technique is described and the results of treatment in 10 children are reported. In all our patients the stricture developed after an operation for esophageal atresia with an end-to-end anastomosis. Dilatation with a balloon-catheter seems to have the same or an even better effect than the traditional dilatation with bougies. Complications following balloon-dilatations have been few and negligible in this series and dilatations can be performed using sedation instead of general anaesthesia. Therefore, this method is recommended.