Through-the-Scope, Wire-Guided Esophageal Dilation for the Treatment of Food Impaction

Abstract

Acute esophageal food impaction (EFI) may be treated by endoscopic extraction of the food bolus either en bloc or in a piecemeal fashion. We have found this endoscopic extraction technique to be unsatisfactory. Our purpose was to demonstrate the use of through-the-scope (TTS), wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to treat EFI. Case reports defining the technique and results of esophageal balloon dilation to treat EFI. Tertiary referral center. Eleven patients presenting with EFI. Through-the-scope (TTS), wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to relieve EFI. Main outcome measurements Endoscopic resolution of EFI. TTS, wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation successfully dislodged the EFI in all 11 patients. The procedure took <5 minutes to complete in all cases. There were no major procedure-related complications. Small number of patients. We have found TTS, wire-guided esophageal balloon dilation to be a simple, quick, safe, and effective technique to treat EFI.