Balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures.

Esophageal dilatation is a safe and effective method for treating most esophageal strictures. Balloon dilatation is primarily used in those strictures in which conventional techniques were initially unsuccessful. We have successfully treated 13 patients with severe esophageal strictures of both benign and malignant etiologies. The patients subjectively felt better and weight gain was uniform. The patients were able to maintain adequate patency of the esophagus with bougie and self-dilatation. The length of follow-up ranged from 2 to 30 months. The various techniques used for balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures are presented. No serious complications were encountered. Dilatation by balloon catheter appears to be a safe method to dilate severe strictures and provides maximum patient benefit with minimal trauma and morbidity.