Pneumatic Dilation Research Articles

How to preserve the native or reconstructed esophagus after perforations or postoperative leaks: A multidisciplinary 15-year experience

BACKGROUND Esophageal perforation or postoperative leak after esophageal surgery remain a life-threatening condition. The optimal management strategy is still unclear. AIM To determine clinical outcomes and complications of our 15-year experience in the multidisciplinary management of esophageal perforations and anastomotic leaks. METHODS A retrospective single-center observational study was performed on 60 patients admitted at our department for esophageal perforations or treated for an anastomotic leak developed after esophageal surgery from January 2008 to December 2023. Clinical outcomes were analyzed, and complications were evaluated to investigate the efficacy and safety of our multidisciplinary management based on the preservation of the native or reconstructed esophagus, when feasible. RESULTS Among the whole series of 60 patients, an urgent surgery was required in 8 cases due to a septic state. Fifty-six patients were managed by endoscopic or hybrid treatments, obtaining the resolution of the esophageal leak/perforation without removal of the native or reconstructed esophagus. The mean time to resolution was 54.95 ± 52.64 days, with a median of 35.5 days. No severe complications were recorded. Ten patients out of 56 (17.9%) developed pneumonia that was treated by specific antibiotic therapy, and in 6 cases (10.7%) an atrial fibrillation was recorded. Seven patients (12.5%) developed a stricture within 12 months, requiring one or two endoscopic pneumatic dilations to solve the problem. Mortality was 1.7%. CONCLUSION A proper multidisciplinary approach with the choice of the most appropriate treatment can be the key for success in managing esophageal leaks or perforations and preserving the esophagus.

BN SO30 - One hundred consecutive Laparoscopic Heller's Cardiomyotomy & Fundoplication – a personal series

Abstract Background Oesophageal Achalasia (OA) is an uncommon primary oesophageal motility disorder, characterised by the loss of inhibitory neurons in the oesophageal myenteric plexus. The primary goal of treating OA is to alleviate dysphagia caused by the functional obstruction of the distal oesophagus due to the inability of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) to relax appropriately after swallowing. Heller's cardiomyotomy (HCM) remains a standard treatment for OA. The aim of this study was to assess the symptomatic improvement and post-operative outcomes following HCM with fundoplication at our centre. Method All patients underwent HCM through laparoscopic blunt muscle separation technique, between January 2005 and March 2024, by a single surgeon. Retrospective review of electronic and compiled paper patient records were analysed to assess patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, operative details, length of stay (LOS), complications, post-operative symptoms, gastroscopy and pneumatic dilation (PD) as well as revisional surgery. Primary outcomes assessed were binary changes in key symptoms of weight loss, dysphagia, retrosternal pain and regurgitation. Comparison of pre and post-operative outcomes were performed using paired t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results 100 procedures involving 99 patients (average age 50 years, 43% female), 1 conversion to open and 1 revision at 3 years. ASA grades were 1 (27%), 2 (58%), and 3 (15%). Median LOS was one day, median follow-up 99 months. Post-operatively; weight loss persisted in 11% of patients from 48%, dysphagia reduced from 98% to 42%, retrosternal chest pain from 39% to 20% and regurgitation from 57% to 24% (all p<0.05). 2 patients required (PD) ≤30 days (CD≥3). 36 patients underwent PD at median of 13 months, 20 needed repeat PD. None of the patients developed cancer. Conclusion As demonstrated in this large series of 100 consecutive patients, HCM remains one of the best treatment modalities for OA. Key symptoms of OA significantly reduced following HCM. Our technique avoided the use of energy devices, ensured a short hospital stay and durable symptom improvement, lends support to its continued application in managing this condition.

Effect of Esophageal Dilation History on Efficacy Outcomes in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Receiving Budesonide Oral Suspension

INTRODUCTION: The effect of esophageal dilation history on efficacy outcomes in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) receiving swallowed corticosteroids is not well established. METHODS: This post hoc analysis assessed data from a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study (NCT02605837) of budesonide oral suspension (BOS) 2.0 mg twice daily in patients aged 11–55 years with EoE and dysphagia. Co-primary efficacy outcomes were histologic (≤6 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]) and dysphagia symptom (≥30% reduction in Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire [DSQ] scores from baseline) responses at week 12. Secondary efficacy outcomes included histologic response (<15 eos/hpf) and change from baseline to week 12 in DSQ scores and EoE Endoscopic Reference Scores (EREFS). Data were analyzed post hoc by esophageal dilation history (dilation history vs no dilation history). RESULTS: Of 318 patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug, 42.8% had a history of esophageal dilation (dilation history: BOS, n=91; placebo, n=45; no dilation history: BOS, n=122; placebo, n=60). Histologic responses (≤6 and <15 eos/hpf) were similar regardless of dilation history. Fewer BOS-treated patients with dilation history than no dilation history achieved a dysphagia symptom response (44.0% vs 59.0%); conversely a slightly greater improvement from baseline in total EREFS was observed for BOS-treated patients with dilation history than no dilation history (LS mean [standard error of the mean]: −4.1 [0.3] vs −3.4 [0.4]). CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal dilation history may confound the association between histologic outcomes and dysphagia symptom or endoscopic efficacy outcomes in patients with EoE receiving swallowed corticosteroids.

Prospective Assessment of Safety, Tolerance, and Perceptions of Awake Airway and Esophageal Dilation.

An increasing number of laryngeal and esophageal procedures are being performed as "awake" procedures (non-general anesthesia), with some under local anesthesia, including in clinic. While high tolerance and safety profiles have been reported for various laryngeal procedures, few studies directly assess tolerability of awake dilation procedures of the upper esophagus (UE) and laryngotracheal airway (LTA). Prospective, open-label. Prospectively collected patient and physician surveys from a tertiary laryngology center recorded patient tolerance, safety, and perceptions of awake UE and LTA balloon dilation. Fifty-six awake procedures were performed on 41 patients, including 46 UE and 20 LTA dilations. All procedures were successfully completed. Overall pain was mild (3.5 ± 2.4/10, ranging 0 = no pain to10 = worst pain) and the dilation itself was reportedly the most painful portion (4.1 ± 2.9/10). Patient satisfaction with the procedure was high (7.0 ± 2.2/10, ranging 0 = worst to 10 = best experience). Most patients would undergo the procedure again (73.6%) and would recommend the procedure to others (89.3%). Patient-reported tolerance was similar immediately postoperatively and at follow-up. LTA and UE dilation patients reported similar levels of tolerance. Awake upper esophageal balloon dilation is a safe, well-tolerated procedure with high completion and patient satisfaction rates. Similarly, early experience with awake laryngotracheal airway balloon dilation suggests comparable favorability, although careful consideration of patient selection and procedural implementation is strongly recommended to optimize and protect patient safety. 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Esophageal achalasia presenting as recurrent pneumonia in children: A case series.

Esophageal achalasia (EA) is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder that is considered a rare etiology of dysphagia among infants and children. The proposed primary pathophysiology is related to the loss of ganglion cells in the distal esophageal sphincters, particularly in the Auerbachian muscle layer, which then leads to the dysmotility and failure of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Dysphagia, vomiting, poor weight gain, cough, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia are the most common presenting complaints. Herein, we report 3 cases of EA who presented with chronic cough and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. This study reviewed 3 pediatric patients with typical symptoms of EA. All the patients were admitted and referred to the pediatric pulmonology service for evaluation of recurrent pneumonia and suspected aspiration syndrome. All patients underwent a barium esophagogram as a part of the aerodigestive workup of recurrent vomiting, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, all the patients underwent workup for other associated congenital anomalies, which included echocardiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and an abdominal ultrasound. All patients had EA and presented with recurrent pneumonia. All patients had isolated EA, and none had any evidence of Allgrove syndrome. Pneumatic balloon dilatation was performed for all patients at the same time as the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Later, all the patients underwent a laparoscopic Heller myotomy and had no postoperative complications, and their symptoms resolved. EA is a rare condition in children, yet it can be a serious and life-threatening condition if left untreated. Our cases emphasize the significance of considering achalasia in children who experience esophageal dysphagia and recurrent pneumonia. Several pediatric cases have been reported in which respiratory involvement was the primary manifestation of achalasia. These cases highlight the importance of considering gastrointestinal disorders, particularly EA, in the differential diagnosis of children who experience recurrent pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment with laparoscopic Heller myotomy can lead to good outcomes for children with achalasia.

Achalasia: beyond the basics

Achalasia is a rare oesophageal disease characterised by an unrelaxing lower oesophageal sphincter and abnormal peristalsis of the oesophageal body. Achalasia symptoms include dysphagia to solid and liquid, chest pain, regurgitation and weight loss. Achalasia diagnosis might be delayed for many years when atypical symptoms dominate. Significant progress has been made over the last two decades regarding our understanding of pathophysiology, methods of evaluation and management. The development of high-resolution manometry in particular has improved the diagnosis of achalasia, as well as other major motility disorders. Subtyping achalasia into manometric patterns has pathophysiological and therapeutic implications. Furthermore, complementary tests such as timed barium swallow and the functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP; Crospon Medical Devices, Galway, Ireland) have significantly added to achalasia diagnosis algorithm and management decision-making. Progression in management has helped optimise established therapy (pneumatic dilatation and Heller myotomy) and introduced new endoscopic treatments (peroral endoscopic myotomy) and surgical techniques (surgical robotic Heller myotomy). This review will aim to shed light on the most recent advances in achalasia diagnosis, classification and management.

Oesophageal Dilation Using Combined Fluoroscopy Guidance and Neonatal Scope: Overcoming Narrow Lumen Challenges in Paediatric Cases- Two Case Reports

This report highlights the management of two complex oesophageal strictures using an innovative combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique. The first case involves a 12-year-old boy with epidermolysis bullosa, where conventional endoscopic methods were inadequate. The second case details a premature infant with an anastomotic stricture post-oesophageal atresia repair. Both patients underwent successful dilation with a neonatal endoscope and fluoroscopic guidance, overcoming significant technical challenges. This approach demonstrates a promising alternative for handling severe and refractory oesophageal strictures.

Thoracoscopic Repair for Kluth Type Ⅲb3 Esophageal Atresia and Distal TracheoesophagealFistula

IntroductionThis report aims to present our initial miniseries of successful thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia (EA) and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) of Kluth type Ⅲb3 in accordance with Kluth's classification. MethodsFrom January 2012 to January 2024, ten patients with Kluth type Ⅲb3 EA-TEF were treated by thoracoscopic surgery. The therapeutic methods and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsAll procedures were completed thoracoscopically without conversions. A preoperative bronchoscopy assessment was conducted in four of the cases, revealing that the fistula from the distal segment was located high on the trachea at the level of T2 vertebral. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 2.0 ± 0.7 d (range, 1-3 d), and the mean weight at operation was 2.6 ± 0.4 kg (range, 1.8-3.0 kg). The mean operative time (skin to skin) for the entire series was 137.0 ± 8.9 min (range, 120-150 min). Oral feeding was initiated on the postoperative day 8.0 ± 1.9 (range, 6-12 d), and the mean duration for patients after surgery was 14.0 ± 2.4 d (range, 12-20 d). The postoperative period has been uneventful with no occurrences of mortality or morbidity to date. Three cases of formatted anastomotic stricture required at least one esophageal dilation after surgery. ConclusionsPediatric surgeons should be aware of the rare variants of EA-TEF to avoid the diagnostic and management pitfalls. Patients with Kluth type Ⅲb3 EA-TEF were amenable to repair by thoracoscopic surgery.

Esophagitis, treatment outcomes, and long-term follow-up in children with esophageal atresia.

Survival rates in children born with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) have improved; however, morbidity associated with the disease remains high. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), fungal esophagitis, esophageal strictures, and long-term outcomes in children with EA/TEF. We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients with EA/TEF who were seen at Children's Wisconsin from January 2003 to January 2023. Patients born with EA/TEF were included if they underwent at least one endoscopy after 1 year of age. GERD was diagnosed based on abnormal findings on endoscopy, pH-metry, and/or history of fundoplication. EoE and fungal esophagitis were diagnosed based on abnormal endoscopy. Esophageal stricture diagnosis was based on findings on endoscopy and/or esophagram, and clinical symptoms necessitating esophageal dilation. Eighty-five patients (64.7% males, mean age 7.5 years) were included, the majority had type C EA/TEF (90.6%). GERD was diagnosed in 61.1% (n = 52), 49.4% (n = 42) by macro and/or microscopic endoscopic findings, 22.3% (n = 19) by abnormal pH-metry, and 21.1% (n = 18) by the need for fundoplication for refractory reflux and/or esophageal stricture. Risk of GERD increased with lower gestational age (p = 0.0030), lower birth weight (p = 0.023), and long-gap EA (p = 0.034). In children diagnosed with GERD, only 13.4% of patients (n = 7/52) were able to be weaned off proton pump inhibitor (PPI) without disease recurrence. However, overall, at the completion of the study, 44.7% (n = 38) of patients were successfully weaned off PPI without evidence of GERD. EoE was diagnosed in 20% of the patients (n = 17). All patients diagnosed with EoE required escalation of therapy from PPI alone to swallowed corticosteroids in 52.9% (n = 9), dupilumab in 23.5% (n = 4), elemental formula in 17.6% (n = 3), and elemental formula and swallowed steroids in 5.8% (n = 1). Fungal esophagitis was diagnosed in 15.3% of patients (n = 13). An esophageal stricture requiring dilation was diagnosed in 77.6% (n = 66) of patients at a mean age of 28.5 months, with over 60% diagnosed by 24 months of age. Children born with EA/TEF continue to be at high risk of developing GERD, EoE, fungal esophagitis, and esophageal stenosis. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy remains a high-yield test to identify and treat these comorbidities.

Pulse Granuloma in Esophagus; A Rare finding in Achalasia Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pulse granuloma is a granulomatous reaction to foreign body, most commonly to food material. This is clinically silent and incidental but may be confused for a mass like lesion. This can be found any location in gastrointestinal tract but most reported in oral cavity and colon. We herein report a rare case of pulse granuloma in esophagus with literature review of the entity. Methods/Case Report A 58-year-old male with history of achalasia, surgical history of Heller myotomy, hernia reduction, hiatoplasty, gastropexy, vagotomy, presented with recurrent stricture of the esophagogastric junction. The patient received multiple esophageal balloon dilatations in the past due to high esophageal sphincter pressure and was complicated by severe reflux associated with esophagitis and large hiatal hernia. He underwent subtotal esophagectomy due to dysphagia. Gross examination of the esophagectomy specimen showed multiple previous procedure scars and was opened to reveal firm yellow food particles impacting in the mucosa. Histological examination showed gastroesophageal junctional mucosa with ulceration and fibrosis of the muscularis propria. Pink ribbon like hyalinized foci with giant cell was found which stained negative for GMS, PAS and AFB, supporting the diagnosis of pulse granuloma. Literature search for key word ‘Pulse Granuloma’ identified thirty-five case reports from year 1977 to 2024, with most reported case in the oral cavity (14 cases, 42%). Out of ten cases reported in gastrointestinal tract, 1 case was reported in small bowel and 9 cases were reported in colon and rectum and no cases were reported in esophagus. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Our patient’s history of achalasia and dysphagia along with histopathologic findings supports diagnosis of pulse granuloma in esophagus. Although clinically silent, pulse granuloma may cause mass-like lesions and result in enlargement and stenosis. In setting of esophageal achalasia recognizing this entity is important as it can mimic malignancy and other mass-forming lesions.

Endoscopic Management of Post-Esophagectomy Delayed Gastric Conduit Emptying (DGCE): Results from a Cohort Study in a Tertiary Referral Center with Comparison between Procedures

Background/Objectives: Delayed gastric conduit emptying (DGCE) occurs in 15–39% of patients who undergo esophagectomy. Intra-Pyloric Injection of Botulinum Toxin (IPBT), Pneumatic Balloon Dilation (PBD), and the same session combination (BTPD) represent the main endoscopic procedures, but comparative data are currently unavailable. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data on all consecutive patients with DGCE treated endoscopically with IPBT, PBD, or BTPD. ISDE Diagnostic Criteria were used for DGCE diagnosis and classification. A Gastric Outlet Obstruction Score was used for clinical staging. All patients undergoing IPBT received 100 UI of toxin, while those undergoing PBD were dilated up to 20 mm. Clinical success (CS) was defined as the resolution of symptoms/resumption of feeding at discharge or expanding dietary intake at any rate. Recurrence was defined as symptom relapse after more than 15 days of well-being requiring endoscopic/surgical intervention. Results: A total of 64 patients (81.2% male, 90.6% Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, 77.4% adenocarcinoma) with a median age of 62 years (IQR 55–70) were enrolled: 18 (28.1%) in the IPBT group, 24 (37.5%) in the PBD group, and 22 (34.4%) in the BTPD group. No statistically significant differences were found in the baseline characteristics, surgical techniques, and median follow-up among the three groups. BTPD showed a higher CS rate (100%) compared to the PD and BTPD groups (p = 0.02), and a Kaplan–Meier analysis with a log–rank test revealed that the BTPD group was associated both with a significatively shorter mean time to refeed of 1.16 days (95% CI 0.8–1.5; p = 0.001) and a shorter median time to discharge of one day (95% CI 1–3; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Endoscopic management of DGCE remains challenging. Waiting for further strong evidence, BTPD can offer patients a higher clinical efficacy rate and a shorter time to refeed and be discharged.

Botulinum toxin injection of the lower esophageal sphincter to identify achalasia-variant esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction.

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) can be an achalasia variant caused by neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), or the manometric manifestation of mechanical processes that impair EGJ distensibility. Distinction among these conditions has important implications for treatment, but can be difficult. We hypothesized that response to botulinum toxin (BT) injection of the LES could be a diagnostic test for identifying achalasia-variant EGJOO likely to respond to LES muscle-directed invasive therapy. We reviewed our experience with symptomatic EGJOO patients who had BT injection of the LES. Data collected include demographics, esophageal body manometry findings, esophagram evidence of retention, and symptom response at 1-6months after BT injection categorized as poor, partial, or good. Clinical response to any subsequent LES-directed invasive treatment (EsoFLIP dilation, pneumatic dilation, Heller myotomy, or POEM) also was recorded. Thirteen symptomatic EGJOO patients were included (mean age 55.9 ± 16.4years; eight men, five women). Symptom response to BT injection was good in six (46%), partial in three (23%), and poor in three (23%); one was lost to follow-up. All five patients who received invasive treatment after partial or good response to BT had a partial or good response to invasive treatment. The one patient who had invasive treatment after a poor response to BT had a poor response to invasive treatment. These findings suggest that a good response to BT injection of the LES can identify an achalasia-variant form of EGJOO that will respond to LES muscle-directed invasive therapy.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pneumatic Balloon Dilation versus Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Type I and II Achalasia Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) shows higher efficacy than pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD) for type I and II achalasia over 2 years. However, long-term durability beyond 5 years remains under investigated. This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy of PBD versus POEM. This retrospective comparative study examined treatment-naïve achalasia patients who underwent either PBD or POEM. Cohort balance was achieved through propensity score (PS) matching based on age, sex, Eckardt's score, and Charlson's comorbidity index. The primary outcome was the time-to-second intervention. Secondary outcomes included treatment failure, Eckardt's score, number of intervention sessions, weight gain, and adverse events. Of the 127 patients, 67 underwent PBD and 60 underwent POEM, with an average follow-up of 7 years (IQR 5-10 years). After PS matching, 100 patients with 1:1 matching were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics, including clinical, endoscopic, and manometric attributes, were comparable between groups. The POEM group had a significantly longer time-to-second intervention than the PBD group (hazard ratio 0.139, 95% CI 0.048-0.405) and underwent more endoscopic sessions (p< 0.001 by linear marginal model analysis) within the first 2 years. Beyond 2 years, subsequent interventions were comparable between groups. There were no differences in the Eckardt score or weight gain. Hospital stays were shorter in the PBD group (2 vs. 4 days; p < 0.001). POEM patients had more adverse events, including perforation. POEM demonstrated greater long-term durability than PBD, but PBD was associated with shorter hospital stays and fewer adverse events.

S638 FLIP Measurements and Opening Classifications After Pneumatic Dilation

S638 FLIP Measurements and Opening Classifications After Pneumatic Dilation

S626 Retrospective Study to Investigate the Validity of the "Rule of 3" in Esophageal Dilation

S626 Retrospective Study to Investigate the Validity of the "Rule of 3" in Esophageal Dilation

S669 The Incidence of Adverse Events Associated With Three-Stage Esophageal Balloon Dilators: A Retrospective Review of the MAUDE Database

S669 The Incidence of Adverse Events Associated With Three-Stage Esophageal Balloon Dilators: A Retrospective Review of the MAUDE Database

S625 Safety of Esophageal Dilation Procedures in Patients on Antithrombotic Therapy: A US Collaborative Network Cohort Study

S625 Safety of Esophageal Dilation Procedures in Patients on Antithrombotic Therapy: A US Collaborative Network Cohort Study

S700 Endoscopic Response to Topical Steroids as Measured by the Eosinophilic Esophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score Is Associated With a Need for Fewer Future Esophageal Dilations

S700 Endoscopic Response to Topical Steroids as Measured by the Eosinophilic Esophagitis Endoscopic Reference Score Is Associated With a Need for Fewer Future Esophageal Dilations

S688 Improvements In Histologic, Symptomatic, and Endoscopic Aspects of Eosinophilic Esophagitis are Maintained, or Continue to Improve, With Long-Term Dupilumab Treatment Regardless of Prior Esophageal Dilation

S688 Improvements In Histologic, Symptomatic, and Endoscopic Aspects of Eosinophilic Esophagitis are Maintained, or Continue to Improve, With Long-Term Dupilumab Treatment Regardless of Prior Esophageal Dilation

S613 Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Empiric Esophageal Dilation in Nonobstructive Dysphagia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

S613 Evaluating the Effectiveness and Safety of Empiric Esophageal Dilation in Nonobstructive Dysphagia: A Retrospective Cohort Study