Esophageal dilation with metal olives under fiberoptic endoscopic control: a new technic

Three patients with marked strictures (less than 20 Fr.) of the esophagus are described. It was very difficult to institute any simple program of dilation because mercury-filled Maloney bougies will buckle and rigid endoscopy with dilation carries a great risk of perforation. Using the conventional methods such as Eder-Puestow dilation results in significant waste of time, money and fluoroscopic help. A new technic is described whereby a successful dilation was carried out under direct visual control by endoscopic dilation of the esophagus with Eder-Puestow dilators. Since all these patients require esophagoscopy, the dilation procedure can be done in the same sitting.