Dilation Sessions Research Articles

Factors influencing outcomes of esophageal balloon dilatation for anastomosis site stenosis after esophageal atresia surgery.

Esophageal balloon dilatation is an effective treatment for anastomotic strictures, but the factors affecting the outcome of dilatation remain unclear. To investigate the predictive factors of esophageal balloon dilatation outcome in children with anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia repair. We retrospectively reviewed children with esophageal atresia who underwent esophageal balloon dilatation for postoperative strictures between August 2007 and February 2021. We investigated each child's age, weight and height; type of esophageal atresia surgery; shape, length and level of stricture; esophageal balloon dilatation balloon size; application of mitomycin; number of inflation sessions; and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions. The outcome of each esophageal balloon dilatation session was determined as improvement in stricture diameter between pre- and post-esophageal balloon dilatation esophagography. We used uni- and multivariate analyses with generalized estimating equations to evaluate outcome predictors. Overall, 69 children (mean age, 2.3years; 45 boys) underwent 227 esophageal balloon dilatations. In the univariate analysis, the positive effect of esophageal balloon dilatation decreased with increased age, weight, height, balloon size and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions. Additionally, the positive effect was decreased in cervical-level strictures and with the application of mitomycin during esophageal balloon dilatation. In the multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors of the positive esophageal balloon dilatation effect were age (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: -0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.01, -0.002), shape of stricture (IRR: -0.54; 95% CI: -0.91, -0.18) and number of esophageal balloon dilatation sessions (IRR, -0.10; 95% CI: -0.14, -0.18). Repeated esophageal balloon dilatation, older age and eccentric stricture shape are associated with poor response to esophageal balloon dilatation in children with anastomotic strictures after esophageal atresia repair.

Prevention of Esophageal Stricture After Whole Circumferential Endoscopic Resection: A Review for Endoscopists.

The incidence of esophageal stricture without stricture prophylaxis measures after whole circumferential endoscopic resection is almost 100%, which substantially decreases the patients' quality of life and requires multiple sessions of endoscopic balloon dilation. To date, there are many reports concerning the prevention of esophageal stricture after whole circumferential endoscopic resection. Oral steroid may be effective for preventing esophageal stricture after whole circumferential endoscopic resection. However, exposure to a high dose of steroid raises concerns with regard to adverse events. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection and preventive endoscopic balloon dilation did not appear to reduce the frequency of stricture formation after whole circumferential endoscopic resection. Esophageal stent appeared to be a possible prophylactic treatment, but adverse events should be of great concern. Polyglycolic acid sheets seemed promising, because they can not only act as protective barriers but can also be drug carriers to prevent esophageal stricture. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine such as oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets cultured in vitro have been used in patients to prevent esophageal stricture, but it is technically and financially burdensome. Autologous tissue transplantation showed a promising preventive effect for esophageal stricture and it is relatively easy to carry out in clinical practice, and this technique needs further improvements to prevent esophageal stricture after whole circumferential endoscopic resection.

S2259 The Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Outcomes for Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures Using a Novel Combination of Needle-Knife Stricturoplasty, Balloon Dilation, and Steroid Injection

Introduction: Benign esophageal strictures that are refractory to standard endoscopic techniques can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life leading to complications such as malnutrition and weight loss. When repeat dilations fail to achieve an adequate luminal diameter or resolve dysphagia, further therapy with needle knife or steroid injections are needed. However, patients can still clinically fail. In an effort to manage such strictures we employed a novel triple combination of needle-knife stricturoplasty, balloon dilation, and steroid injection to assess clinical outcomes and safety. Case Description/Methods: This was a single center retrospective study of all adult patients with benign strictures that were refractory to conventional endoscopic therapy and removable self-expanding metal stenting. The triple therapy consisted of at least 4 longitudinal needle knife incision followed by balloon dilation and then targeted 4 quadrant intralesional steroid injections (Figure). Primary success was defined as a 50% reduction in repeat endoscopic therapy needed. Secondary outcomes included periodic dilation index, esophageal diameter changes, technical success, and complications. Four patients (average age 49.7 years, average body mass index 22.8 kg/m2) underwent endoscopic therapy for complex benign strictures using our triple therapy technique (Table). Stricture etiologies included peptic strictures (n= 3) and an anastomotic stricture (n=1). All patients previously required esophageal stenting (range 1-3). There was 100% technical success rate with no adverse events. The average diameter of the esophagus before and after triple therapy was 4.2 ± 1.63 mm and 13 ± 1.36 mm, respectively. The periodic dilation index was 6.3 (range 12-2) before and 1.5 (range 5–0) after triple therapy. The mean length of follow up was 316 days (range 116-425). Discussion: Triple combination therapy may be useful in benign strictures that are refractory to standard techniques. We do recommend needle knife before dilation to enhance the efficacy of steroid injections. In light of our findings, this method should be considered when strictures are refractory after 2-3 dilation sessions and/or stent therapy. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings and identify predictive factors that can enhance clinical success using this novel combination.Figure 1.: Esophageal stricture (A) that was treated with needle knife (B), balloon dilation (C) and then steroid injections (D). Table 1. - Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes Patient Age/Sex Stricture Etiology Initial stricture diameter Stricture diameter after triple therapy Number of triple therapy procedures Length of follow up (days) 1 30/Male GERD 7 mm 13.5 mm 1 425 2 59/Male Anastomotic 3 mm 15 mm 2 421 3 57/Male GERD 3 mm 11.5 mm 4 304 4 53/Male GERD 4 mm 12 mm 2 116

S2353 Esophageal Hyperkeratosis Complicated by Recurrent Dysphagia

Introduction: Esophageal hyperkeratosis (EH) is a rare condition characterized by keratinization of the esophageal epithelium. The pathophysiology is poorly understood, and risk factors remain unclear. We present a case of severe long segment EH leading to severe esophageal stenosis. Case Description/Methods: A 70-year-old male with a long history of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) presented to the ED with acute food impaction. Prior to his presentation, he reported worsening dysphagia and ongoing heartburn for several months. He had been lost to follow-up and was not on any antacids at the time of presentation. Emergent upper endoscopy (EGD) was performed to remove the food impaction. Additional findings on EGD showed esophagitis, esophageal stenosis of 13cm in length (7mm in diameter), and white plaques. Esophageal biopsies were negative for eosinophils but confirmed candida and were suggestive of esophageal hyperkeratosis. Dilation was deferred until the esophagitis was treated with PPI and itraconazole. Repeat EGD one month later showed ongoing stenosis, healed esophagitis, as well as significantly thickened esophageal mucosa extending 13 cm proximally from the GE junction (Figure A, B). Balloon dilation of the stenotic lesion was performed. Repeat biopsies confirmed esophageal hyperkeratotic squamous epithelium with parakeratosis and no dysplasia (Figure C). Due to the severity of his stenosis, he subsequently underwent multiple EGDs with balloon dilations over the next several months to obtain a maximum esophageal lumen diameter of 19mm. Dilation of his esophagus was particularly difficult due to the length of hyperkeratosis, degree of stenosis, and loss of elasticity of his esophageal mucosa. Tearing of the tissue and bleeding were common even with small interval increases during each dilation session. In addition, healing of the tissue between sessions often led to a restricturing of his esophagus. He is currently symptom-free on pantoprazole 40mg twice a day, a soft diet, and undergoing surveillance endoscopies every 6 months with balloon dilations. Discussion: Esophageal hyperkeratosis is a rare disorder with thickening of the stratum corneum and occurs in 2% of esophageal biopsies. While the prevalence and pathophysiology are unclear, it is thought to be associated with GERD, vitamin A deficiency, zinc deficiency, and a low fiber/low residue diet. There is also some evidence to suggest it may be associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.Figure 1.: 1: a and b) EGD of middle and lower esophagus showing irregular mucosa with furrowing and white exudate, pre-dilation. 1c) Magnification 400x. Histopathology demonstrates esophageal squamous mucosa with dyskeratosis and extensive hyperkeratosis (black arrow).

334. DEFINITION OF SEVERE BENIGN OESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES AND IDENTIFICATION OF ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Abstract Benign oesophageal strictures (BES) are often easily treated but around 30% progress into recurrent or refractory benign oesophageal strictures (RBES), that need repetitive dilatations. Difficulties of RBES have been widely discussed in the literature, but there is not a well-established consensus regarding the definition of RBES. In this study we wanted to develop a simple definition in relation to aetiology and number of dilatation sessions per stricture. A retrospective study on 242 BES-patients treated with endoscopic dilatation was performed. The primary endpoint was need of further dilatation per procedure, based on total number of dilatation sessions performed and stricture ethology. Univariate and multivariable regression analysis were performed to assess risk factors for RBES. Among 242 patients, 76 had RBES. The need of further dilatation increases with 13% at fifth dilation session and keeps a continuous mean value at 81%. Investigating some aetiologies separately, the point where need increases does vary. The risk of having RBES decreased for distal (Odds Ratio (OR) 0,25 (Confidence interval (CI) 95% 0,09-0,65)) and middle (OR 0,35 (CI 95% 0,13-0,88)) location of the stricture compared to proximal strictures. We propose that a stricture can be defined as RBES when reaching the fifth dilatation session. At that point we also suggest that clinicians should consider additional treatment, in addition to dilatation, in order to resolve the stricture.

159. NEW ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT TECHNIQUE TO PREVENT REFRACTORY CORROSIVE ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES

Abstract Refractory esophageal stricture is an undesired complication after caustic ingestion associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention rather than treatment of the stricture is a desirable goal. The objective of this study was to report the safety and outcome of our novel endoscopic technique using Repeated endoscopy with Intraluminal Fibrinous adhesioLysis of the Esophagus (RIFLE) during the first 2 weeks of caustic ingestion aiming to prevent the development of refractory esophageal stricture and bypass surgery. Patients with Zagar’s grade IIb-IIIa corrosive esophageal injury were included. Patients undergoing emergent surgery were excluded. Since 2018, upper endoscopy with lysis of intraluminal fibrinous adhesion by advancing endoscopic tip through the lesions has been gently performed initially at the third day and then repeated twice a week during the first 2 weeks of the ingestion in 15 patients of the study group. Before 2018, a standard ‘wait and see’ treatment with early dilation at 4–6 weeks after injury had been applied only patients with evidence of esophageal stricture. Patients in the standard were 1:1 matched to the study group. A median number of endoscopic RIFLE session was 4, and there was no treatment-related complication in all 15 patients in the study group. Fifteen out of the 102 patients with grade IIb-IIIa esophageal injury in our database with standard treatment were well matched to the study group. At the median follow-up of 30 months, the frequency of esophageal stricture, refractory esophageal stricture, esophageal replacement procedure, and a median number of dilation session between the study and standard treatment group were 4/15 (27%) vs 10/15 (67%), p = 0.02, 1/15(7%) vs 7/15(47%), p = 0.01, 1/15(7%) vs 6/15(40%), p = 0.03, and 4 vs 11, p < 0.001, respectively. In patients with severe non-transmural caustic esophageal injury, repeated endoscopy with intraluminal fibrinous adhesiolysis of the esophagus during the first 2 weeks of the ingestion is safe and associated with decreasing proportion of patients with refractory esophageal stricture and requiring esophageal replacement procedure.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery or PPIs in the management of reflux-related esophageal stricture

BackgroundGastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often associated with esophageal stricture, particularly benign esophageal stricture. We aimed to evaluate the effects of balloon catheter dilation (BD) combined with laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) surgery and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with reflux-induced esophageal strictures.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 116 patients with reflux-induced benign esophageal strictures who underwent balloon dilatation therapy combined with PPIs (BD-PPIs group, n = 58) and balloon dilatation combined with LF (BD-LF group, n = 58). Patients were followed up for 24 months. The outcomes of the patients were monitored, including clinical success, symptom improvement, adverse events, and the frequency of esophagitis.ResultsAt the latest follow-up, the rate of clinical success was higher in BD-LF group than in BD-PPIs group (80.4% vs. 57.7%, P = 0.011). The patients in the BD-PPIs group required more dilation sessions to achieve successful dilation, as compared to those in the BD-LF group (2.1 ± 1.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). The DeMeester score, number of reflux episodes for which pH was < 4, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure were significantly better in the BD-LF group than in the BD-PPIs group (all P < 0.001). The incidence of reflux esophagitis was higher in the BD-PPIs group than in the BD-LF group, at 24 months (58.8% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.003).ConclusionsBalloon dilatation with concomitant LF is effective and safe for esophageal stricture secondary to GERD. Moreover, antireflux surgery techniques, such as Nissen or Toupet procedure, should be added for reflux-induced benign esophageal stricture.

Efficacy of bougie dilation for normal diet in benign esophageal stricture

Objectives Bougination is one of the first-line treatments in benign esophageal stricture (BES). The aim of the study was to identify clinical and endoscopic factors affecting the achievement of a normal diet with only bougie dilation in patients with BES. Patients and methods Patients treated with only bougination for BES at three hospitals were retrospectively investigated. Data including patient demographics, stricture and procedural characteristics were collected. Clinical success was defined as normal diet without additional procedures for two months after bougination. Clinical success rate and associated factors were assessed. Results A total of 121 patients with BES were included. The most common cause of BES was post-operative stricture (n = 55). Finally, 43 (36%) patients were able to eat a normal diet with only bougination. Of these patients, 42 (97.7%) achieved clinical success in the first three sessions or less. Among causes of stenosis, corrosive injury had the lowest success rate (9/40, 22.5%). Clinical success rate was significantly higher for those with the length of stricture of less than 2 cm (47.2%), those with pre-procedural dysphagia of semi-solid or soft diet (51.3%) and those with dilation of 13 mm or more (46.1%). However, the duration of symptom, the number of previous endoscopic treatments and the location of stenosis were not related to clinical success. Conclusions Normal diet is possible in one-third of BES after bougination alone. Predictable factors for achieving a normal diet were less than four sessions of dilation, short length of stricture, pre-procedural dysphagia status and diameter of dilator.

Innovative Upper Gastrointestinal Stenting: Reboring the Blocked Path

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been established beyond doubt as an effective tool in the palliative management of malignant gastrointestinal tract strictures. The advent of fully covered retrievable SEMS has allowed its use in benign oesophageal strictures and gastric outlet obstruction, which are traditionally treated with balloon or bougie dilation. Although balloon and bougie dilations are effective, strictures may be refractory, requiring repeated sessions of dilation or complex surgeries. Endoluminal stenting spares the patient from complex surgical procedures and their associated complications. Here, the authors present four cases wherein fully covered SEMS were used as an effective therapy for the restoration of the gastrointestinal lumen in non-malignant conditions.

Comparison of Endoscopic Dilatation and Heller's Myotomy for Treating Esophageal Achalasia in Children: A Multicenter Study

To compare the efficacy of, and complications from, the 2 main treatments for achalasia: endoscopic dilatation and surgical cardiomyotomy (Heller's myotomy). We retrospectively collected data on children treated for achalasia over an 11-year period from 8 tertiary pediatric centers. A line of treatment was defined as performing either Heller's myotomy or 1-3 sessions of endoscopy dilatation over 3months. Treatment success was a priori defined as clinical improvement and no need for new treatment. Ninety-seven children (median age, 12years; 57% boys) were included. The median time to diagnosis was 10.5months, and the median follow-up period was 27months. Thirty-seven children were treated by Heller's myotomy and 60 by endoscopy dilatation as the first-line treatment. After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, Heller's myotomy was significantly more successful than endoscopy dilatation (hazard ratio, 3.93 [1.74; 8.88]; P=.001), with a median survival without failure of 49 and 7months, respectively, and with no significant difference in the occurrence of complications (35.2% for Heller's myotomy, 29.7% for endoscopy dilatation, P=.56). Hydrostatic dilatation was as successful as pneumatic dilatation (hazard ratio, 1.35 [0.56; 3.23]; P=.50). Heller's myotomy is more successful than endoscopy dilatation, with no significant difference in the occurrence of serious complications. This raises the potential role of peroral endoscopic myotomy as an alternative treatment to Heller's myotomy.

Efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide in the prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection: a meta-analysis.

The role of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in the prevention of esophageal stricture is not well established. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate its safety and efficacy for the prevention of esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A comprehensive search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase for possible controlled studies. The primary outcomes were stenosis rate and endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) sessions required, and secondary outcome included complications. Random effects were used to calculate the pooled outcome. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted to verify the robustness and reliability of the results. Results: Ten studies containing 499 patients were obtained. In the pooled analysis, statistical significance was found in triamcinolone acetonide injection reduced the incidence of stenosis (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.11, 0.80], P < 0.05) and the number of endoscopic balloon dilation (MD = -3.33, 95% CI [-4.15, -2.50], P < 0.0001) compared with control. Triamcinolone acetonide injection therapy did not increase the risk of complications (OR = -0.77%, CI [-1.62, 0.09], P = 0.08). Subgroup analysis indicated that the single injection of triamcinolone acetonide after endoscopic submucosal dissection significantly reduced the incidence of stenosis compared with without any prophylaxis. Different concentrations and single session volume of triamcinolone acetonide reduced the incidence of stenosis. It also showed that the dose according to the size of the lesion was more effective than the fixed dose in preventing esophageal stricture. Conclusion: Triamcinolone acetonide injection can reduce the incidence of stricture formation as well as the need for EBD sessions without increasing complications.

Endoscopic versus fluoroscopic esophageal dilatations in children with esophageal strictures: 10-year experience.

Esophageal strictures in children may cause dysphagia, choking during feeds, and failure to thrive. They can be treated by balloon dilatations, either under endoscopic or fluoroscopic guidance; there is no literature comparing the methods. Retrospective review of the medical records of children (0-18years) who were treated with balloon dilatations between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was the number of dilatation sessions required until clinical success after 3months. Secondary outcomes were long-term success at 12months, and complications of bleeding and perforation. Forty-six patients underwent 174 dilatation sessions. Success rates in the endoscopy and fluoroscopy groups were similar: 62% versus 67% (p = 0.454) at 3months and 57% versus 67% (p = 0.721) at 12months. Complication rate was lower in the endoscopy group (0% vs. 15%, p < 0.001). Both endoscopic and radiologic-guided balloon dilatations were shown to be equally effective, but endoscopic guidance had fewer complications.

Complex Post-intubation Tracheal Stenosis in Covid-19 Patients.

Management of tracheal complications due to endotracheal intubation in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an important concern. This study aimed to present the results of patients who had undergone tracheal resection and reconstruction due to COVID-19-related complex post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS). We evaluated 15 patients who underwent tracheal resection and reconstruction due to complex PITS between March 2020 and April 2021 in a single center. Seven patients (46.6%) who underwent endotracheal intubation due to the COVID-19 constituted the COVID-19 group, and the remaining 8 patients (53.4%) constituted the non-COVID-19 group. We analyzed the patients’ presenting symptoms, time to onset of symptoms, radiological and bronchoscopic features of stenosis, bronchoscopic intervention history, length of the resected tracheal segment, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and duration of follow-up. Six of the patients (40%) were female, and 9 (60%) were male. Mean age was 43.3 ± 20.5. We found no statistically significant difference between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 PITS groups in terms of presenting symptoms, time to onset of symptoms, stenosis location, stenosis severity, length of the stenotic segment, number of bronchoscopic dilatation sessions, dilatation time intervals, length of the resected tracheal segment, postoperative complications, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Endotracheal intubation duration was longer in the COVID-19 group than non-COVID-19 group (mean ± SD: 21.0 ± 4.04, 12.0 ± 1.15 days, respectively). Tracheal resection and reconstruction can be performed safely and successfully in COVID-19 patients with complex PITS. Comprehensive preoperative examination, appropriate selection of surgery technique, and close postoperative follow-up have favorable results.

Predictive factors for the success of endoscopic dilation of esophageal caustic stricture: the experience of a French tertiary reference center.

Predictors of the efficacy of endoscopic dilation for caustic esophageal stricture have been poorly studied. All patients undergoing an endoscopic dilation for an esophageal caustic stricture between 1990 and 2015 in a French national reference center were included. Success of dilation was defined by self-food autonomy without the need for reconstructive esophageal surgery. During the study period, 894 patients were admitted after caustic ingestion. Among them, 101 patients developed esophageal stricture and 92 patients were eligible for analysis (missing data in 8 cases, 1 patient died before endoscopic dilation). In this cohort (median age 42years, women 53%, strong alkali 74%, suicide attempt 77%, hydrostatic balloon use 93%), the overall success rate of dilation was 57% with a median number of 3 dilation sessions (274 sessions, range 1-17). Factors predicting the success of the procedure were: non-inflammatory stricture or non-inflammatory intercalated mucosa between stricture (88% vs 47%, p = 0.001), a single stricture versus 2 or more strictures (69% vs 47% vs 33%, respectively, p = 0.04), a stricture of less than 5cm (70% vs 27%, p < 0.001) and the existence of mild/ moderately tight or very tight stricture (70% vs 21% of success, p < 0.001). Perforation rate was 6.5% (18/274) requiring emergency surgery in 2 cases. Several characteristics of caustic esophageal strictures are significantly associated with the success rate of endoscopic dilation. Our data may be useful for customizing treatment strategies in patients with a caustic stricture.

BOUGIE DILATATION IN BENIGN ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES: EVALUATION OF ADJUVANT METHYLPREDNISOLONE INJECTION

Objective: Mechanical dilatation and adjuvant injection of triamcinolone acetate (TA) effectively preserve the opening provided and reduce the number of bougie dilation (BD) in benign esophageal strictures. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of Methylprednisolone (MP) injection after BD in providing permanent/long-term lumen opening. Materials and Methods: Among 22 patients diagnosed with benign esophageal strictures (BES) between January 2017 and October 2020, we evaluated the results of 8 patients who continued the endoscopic follow-up program and underwent BD and MP injection, then compared with the literature. Results: We treated 8 patients [6 (75%) women, mean age 61±16.9 years (range 22-77)] with strictures of different etiologies (3 anastomotic, 2 iatrogenic esophageal rupture repairs, 2 recurrent webs, and 1 scleroderma) with BD followed by intralesional MP injection. We performed median BD sessions 3.5 times (range 1-8). We gave a median 3 intralesional MP injection (range 1-7). The median time to resolve stricture was 2.5 months (range 1-4). The median endoscopic follow-up time was 4.5 months (range 1-17). Conclusions: Adjuvant MP injection is successful in preserving the lumen patency provided after mechanical dilatation. Randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the steroid type and dose to provide the most optimal permanent lumen opening with lesser dilatation sessions in BES.

Lumen reconstruction with magnetic compression anastomosis technique in a patient with complete esophageal stricture

Complete esophageal obstruction (CEO) is a rare condition of which treatment options are challenging. Surgery is the main treatment with high morbidity and mortality rates. Magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) is a novel technique developed to restore lumen patency in gastrointestinal and biliary tracts. However, MCA experience is limited in respect of esophageal strictures. We present a 26-year-old patient having CEO. Magnets are inserted endoscopically to both sides of the obstructed area via oral and retrograde (through the gastrostomy tract) route. On day 8, magnets stuck together and were removed endoscopically through the oral route. Subsequently, sessions of balloon dilatations and triamcinolone injection were performed. The patient's complaint of aphagia resolved after the treatment process. In conclusion, MCA is an alternative technique that can be used to restore lumen patency in esophageal strictures and also avoids complications of surgical interventions.

Esophageal Dilatation in Patients with Esophageal Stricture Formation due to Corrosive Intake - Clinical Experience of Thoracic Surgery Department at A Tertiary Care Center

Objective: Assessment of the outcome of esophageal dilatation in patients with esophageal stricture formation due to corrosive intake experienced at a tertiary healthcare facility in order to devise a better management plan for such patients. Study design: Retrospective Study Study setting: Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Study duration: January 2018-June 2021 Methodology: A total of 19 subjects who presented with esophageal stricture formation due to corrosive intake were taken as study subjects. The location of involved mucosa, number of dilatation sessions done, level of symptomatic relief and recurrence rates were assessed for these study subjects. Then the data was gathered and analyzed with the help of SPSS Version. 21. Results: This study comprising of 19 patients who had esophageal stricture formed due to corrosive intake and they underwent esophageal dilatation for it. The age range for the subjects came out to be 5-40 years (Mean= 2.89±8.81). Male to female ratio came out to be 7(36.8%) vs 12(63.2%) respectively. Among these study subjects, 15(78.9%) subjects gave history of an acid ingestion while only 4(21.1%) had a history of alkali ingestion. Majority of them showed relief in response to esophageal dilatation and with low recurrence rates. Conclusion: Esophageal dilatation with bougies is one of the safest, less invasive, and efficient method for the effective management of esophageal stenosis/ stricture formation after corrosive intake that needs to be emphasized specially in healthcare centers which lack specialized departments dealing with more invasive surgical procedure and facilities. Keywords: Esophagus, Dilatation, Corrosive, Stricture, Acid, Alkali

Long-term outcomes of paclitaxel-coated balloons for non-malignant ureteral strictures.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB) ureteroplasty for the management of non-malignant ureteral strictures. A prospective "off-label" monocentric single-arm pilot study investigating the safety and efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) (Lutonix®; BD, USA) was performed. Twenty-five patients with benign ureteral strictures related to uretero-enteric anastomosis (n = 13); lithiasis (n = 5), post-surgical complications (iatrogenic n = 5), transplanted kidney (n = 1) and post-radiotherapy (n = 1) were included. Following lesion crossing, predilatation was performed using 4-7mm high-pressure balloon catheter (5-6Fr) with a balloon pressure of 6-7atm based on the manufacturer's recommendation. In the absence of rupture of the ureteral wall, the DCB was dilated for 4min. across the lesion. The process was repeated if deemed necessary to a maximum of three stricture dilatations. We analysed both clinical and radiological primary patency (no signs of ipsilateral hydronephrosis or improvement of the existing residual dilatation at the follow-up examinations) and secondarily safety endpoints. Mean lesion length was 40 ± 28.5mm. Mean time follow up was 36months ± 10.46months. Strictures were located at upper ureteric (12%), lower ureteric (32%), ureterovesical anastomosis (4%) and uretero-enteric anastomosis (52%) levels. The overall radiological success at 1-year follow-up was 88% (22/25 patients). In 56% patients (14/25 patients with primary patency) the nephrostomy catheter was removed 21days following a single DCB procedure. In 32% (8/25 patients) an additional dilatation sessions were required for maintaining the ureteral patency. The overall failure rate at 1-year follow-up was 12% (3/25 patients). Only one case of febrile urinary tract infection in a female patient (acute pyelonephritis) was encountered after the first dilatation. Paclitaxel-coated balloon ureteroplasty proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of non-malignant ureteral strictures. Larger studies are warranted to validate these promising initial results.

Can computed tomography-antral wall thickness predict response to endoscopic balloon dilation in patients with caustic-induced gastric outlet obstruction?

Caustic-induced gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) remains one of the important causes oflong-term morbidityin patients with caustic ingestion. Though endoscopic balloon dilation is an effective modality, response to caustic GOO is poorer as compared to peptic stricture. Computed tomography (CT)-antral wall thickness (AWT) has not been previously explored to predict the procedural success in patients with caustic GOO. In a retrospective single-center study of prospectively maintained database, all patients with symptomatic caustic GOO who underwent CT scan prior to endoscopic balloon dilation were included. Gastric AWT was measured at the site of maximum visible thickness on CT scan. Details regarding caustic ingestion and endoscopic dilation were retrieved. Patients were divided into two groups, based on CT-AWT (< or ≥9 mm) and compared for outcome measures. Mean age of included patients (n=35) was 33.51 ± 13.65 years and 22 were male. Procedural success was achieved in 29 (82.85%) patients. Number of mean dilation sessions required were5.28 ± 2.96 for achieving procedural success. The mean CT-AWT was 10.73 ± 2.80 mm (range 4-18 mm). There was no significant association between the CT-AWT and the number ofdilations and procedural success. On univariate analysis, size of the first balloon used was a predictor of refractory stricture (p=0.011). However, no other factors predicted either refractory stricture or procedural success. There is no additional role of CT-AWT in predicting response to endoscopic balloon dilation or to predict refractory stricture in patients with caustic GOO.

Safety and efficacy of non-fluoroscopic endoscopic dilatation of gastrointestinal tuberculosis related strictures

IntroductionStricturing gastrointestinal tuberculosis (GITB) may result in persistent symptoms even after antitubercular therapy (ATT) and may require surgical intervention. Data on efficacy and safety of endoscopic dilatation for management GITB related strictures is scarce.MethodsA retrospective analysis of database of patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation for suspected or proven gastrointestinal tuberculosis was performed. The analysis included the site of involvement, technical success, clinical success (response), relapse and requirement of surgery in these patients.ResultsOut of 34 patients (47.1% males, mean age 31.9 ± 12.9 years), eventually four patients were diagnosed to have Crohn’s disease while the rest had GITB. Initial technical success was achieved in 30 (88.2%) patients. Initial clinical success was achieved in 28 (82.3%) patients. Median number of dilatation sessions required to obtain symptomatic relief were 2.5 (1–5) per patient. Two patients with initial clinical success had recurrence of symptoms over follow up of 1 year, out of which one patient was managed with repeat endoscopic balloon dilatation successfully. Of 30 patients with technical success, 16 (53.4%) were on ATT when they underwent dilatation while two were in intestinal obstruction. Eventually 7 patients required surgical intervention for various reasons.ConclusionNon-fluoroscopic endoscopic balloon dilatation is an acceptable and fairly safe modality for symptomatic tuberculous strictures of gastrointestinal tract.