Incidence and management of oesophageal ruptures following fluoroscopic balloon dilatation in children with benign strictures.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence and management of oesophageal ruptures following fluoroscopic balloon dilatation (FBD) in children with benign oesophageal strictures. Sixty-two children with benign oesophageal strictures underwent FBDs. Oesophageal rupture was categorized as intramural (type 1), transmural (type 2), or transmural with free leakage (type 3). The possible risk factors for oesophageal ruptures were analyzed. One hundred and twenty-nine FBDs were performed in these patients. The oesophageal rupture rate was 17.1% (22/129). The majority (21/22) of ruptures were type 1 and type 2, both were treated conservatively. Only one patient had a type 3 rupture and underwent oesophagoesophagostomy. The patient gender, age, and the length and cause of the stricture showed no significant effect on the rupture (P > 0.05). However, for the patients ≤2years old, the initial balloon with a diameter ≥10mm showed a higher oesophageal rupture rate than those <10mm during the first session (P = 0.03). Although the oesophageal rupture rate in children was 17.1%, the type 3 rupture rate was 0.8%, which usually requires aggressive treatment. For children ≤2years old, the initial balloon diameter should be <10mm in the first session for decreasing the risk of oesophageal rupture. • The oesophageal rupture rate following balloon dilatation in children was 17.1%. • The incidence of transmural rupture with free leakage is very low. • Only transmural rupture with free leakage needs aggressive treatment. • For children ≤2years, the initial balloon diameter should be <10mm.