Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis
Published on: January 7, 2019
Balloon dilatation of oesophageal strictures in children
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Insights
Balloon dilatation is an effective treatment for pediatric esophageal strictures, achieving a 79% success rate. This minimally invasive approach offers radial force application and fluoroscopic control for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Interventional Endoscopy
- Esophageal Diseases
Background:
- Esophageal strictures in children can result from various congenital and acquired conditions.
- Balloon dilatation has emerged as a frequent therapeutic option for esophageal strictures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of balloon dilatation for treating esophageal strictures in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 36 children treated with balloon catheterization between 1983 and 1994.
- Dilatation was performed on 39 strictures (including 3 double strictures) a total of 171 times.
- Patients included those with esophageal atresia, tracheo-esophageal fistula, congenital stenosis, and acquired strictures.
Main Results:
- Balloon dilatation was successful in 31 out of 36 children (79% success rate).
- Alternative treatments were required for 8 children (22%), including conventional bouginage (2) and surgical resection (6).
- The procedure was performed on patients aged two weeks to 15 years.
Conclusions:
- Balloon dilatation is a successful and viable treatment for pediatric esophageal strictures.
- The method's advantages include radial force application and enhanced control via fluoroscopy.
- Further research can explore long-term outcomes and comparisons with other treatment modalities.
Abstract:
During the last ten years balloon dilatation has become increasingly frequent in the therapy of oesophageal strictures, both for diagnosis and treatment. From 1983 to 1994, balloon catheterization was performed in 36 children (oesophageal atresia 28, tracheo-oesophageal fistula 3, congenital stenosis 1, acquired oesophageal stricture subsequent to gastro-oesophageal reflux 1, to caustic ingestion 3). Age at treatment varied from 2 weeks to 15 years. Thirty-nine (3 double) strictures were dilated a total of 171 times. Balloon dilatation was successful in 31 cases (79%). In two children therapy was changed to conventional bouginage and six strictures were resected. Advantages of the method may include that forces are exerted radially and that the procedure may be performed under better control since fluoroscopy is used.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Achalasia
Pyloric Obstruction

