Successful treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ulcerative esophageal stricture after chemoradiotherapy: A...

Severe esophageal strictures resulting from chemoradiotherapy pose persistent therapeutic challenges despite the availability of treatments such as endoscopic balloon dilation and medications. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising treatment option for refractory radiation-induced injury to several organs. Herein, we present the case of a 79-year-old male patient with refractory radiation-induced ulcerative esophageal strictures after chemoradiotherapy. Despite multiple interventions, including endoscopic balloon dilation, steroids, and proton-pump inhibitors, the patient remained unable to tolerate oral intake. HBOT was initiated, leading to significant improvement in the esophageal ulcers and strictures within 1 month. HBOT was well tolerated; the patient experienced a sustained improvement in his quality of life. Two years after HBOT, esophagogastroduodenoscopy confirmed persistent improvement in esophageal ulcers and strictures. This case highlights the potential of HBOT as a therapeutic option for ulcerative esophageal strictures unresponsive to conventional treatments.