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Perforation complicating balloon dilation of esophageal strictures in infants and children
1Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Korea.
Insights
Esophageal perforation during balloon dilation for strictures in children occurred in 4 of 32 patients. This complication may be more frequent in pediatric patients than previously recognized.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Esophageal strictures in infants and children often require intervention.
- Balloon dilation is a common treatment modality for benign esophageal strictures.
Observation:
- This study retrospectively analyzed 141 balloon dilation procedures in 32 pediatric patients with congenital or postoperative esophageal strictures.
- The prevalence of esophageal perforation during this procedure was assessed.
Findings:
- Four cases of esophageal perforation (12.5%) were identified immediately following balloon dilation.
- Three perforations were managed nonoperatively, and one required surgical intervention.
- All patients experienced favorable outcomes post-treatment.
Implications:
- Esophageal perforation may occur more frequently in pediatric patients undergoing balloon dilation than previously reported.
- Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for esophageal perforation in this population.
- Further research may be warranted to optimize safety protocols for pediatric esophageal balloon dilation.
Purpose:
The authors retrospectively reviewed their experience with balloon dilation of esophageal strictures in infants and children to determine the prevalence of esophageal perforation during this procedure.
Materials And Methods:
Balloon dilation was performed in 32 patients with esophageal stricture due to either congenital or postoperative stenosis. The total number of procedures was 141; each patient underwent one to 12 procedures.
Results:
Four cases of esophageal perforation occurred during balloon dilation and were detected immediately after the procedure. Perforation in three of these patients was treated nonoperatively with parenteral fluid and antibiotics, and one patient was treated surgically with resection and creation of an anastomosis. The clinical course after treatment was favorable in all cases.
Conclusion:
Although esophageal perforation during balloon dilation of benign strictures has been reported as a rare complication, four perforations were observed in 32 patients. Esophageal perforation can occur in infants and children more frequently than previously reported.