Endoscopic treatment of severe esophageal strictures in children by combined proximal and distal approaches

Abstract

One patient with complete reobstruction following repair of congenital esophageal atresia and another with a severe esophageal stricture due to reflux esophagitis were treated successfully with endoscopic electroincision from both the proximal and distal ends combined with dilation by Tucker's endless bougie. There have been no previous reports of this technique being used for severe esophageal stenosis in children. This method can be applied safely to children with severe esophageal strictures in which no guidewire or other bougie can be passed, a clinical situation previously requiring open surgery.