Esophageal Strictures In Children Research Articles

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Esophageal Strictures in Children with Esophageal Atresia: 19 Years’ Experience

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Esophageal Strictures in Children with Esophageal Atresia: 19 Years’ Experience

Recurrent Esophageal Stricture in a Child Post Steven-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report

Background: Esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the esophageal lumen, resulting in dysphagia. Despite its rarity, this condition could be caused by various etiologies, including Steven-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). In some cases, stricture could recur, which complicates the management. This case report presented a rare case of refractory esophageal stricture in children with Steven-Johnson Syndrome. Case: A 5-years-old boy with a prior history of SJS presented with dysphagia for one month. The patient experienced choking, blood vomiting, stomatitis, swelling on the lips, and difficulty in swallowing solid food. Barium meal and EGD test confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal strictures. The patient then underwent dilation using bougie dilator. However, he continued to experience dysphagia, resulting in a total of 15 serial dilation sessions. Discussion: Esophageal dysphagia is observed in patients who experience difficulty swallowing solid food. SJS can contribute to the development of esophageal dysphagia by causing inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, resulting in lesions and strictures. In patients with esophageal strictures, two types of dilation methods are available: bougie dilator with wire guidance (Savary-Gilliard) and balloon dilator, with the current consensus for dilation procedures supporting the rule of three. For patients with refractory strictures, other modalities such as mitomycin-C injection and stent placement are also available. Esophageal replacement surgery is considered as the last resort for refractory stricture patients who have not responded to previous treatments. Conclusion: Steven-Johnson Syndrome is a rare cause of esophageal strictures. The management of refractory esophageal stricture requires a comprehensive subspecialty care and long-term monitoring.

Clinical analysis of endoscopic esophageal dilation for the treatment of corrosive esophageal strictures in children

To investigate the clinical application of endoscopic esophageal dilation in the treatment of corrosive esophageal strictures in children. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures who underwent endoscopic esophageal dilation in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The clinical features, treatment modality of endoscopic esophageal dilation, number of dilations, complications, and prognosis were reviewed. A total of 96 esophageal dilations were performed in the 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures, with a median of 6 dilations per child. Among them, 9 children (60%) underwent 6 or more dilations. The children with a stricture length of >3 cm had a significantly higher number of dilations than those with a stricture length of ≤3 cm (P<0.05). The children with strictures in a single segment had a significantly better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments (P=0.005). No complication was observed during all sessions of dilation. The overall effective rate (including significant improvement and improvement) of endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment was 87%, with 2 cases of failure. Endoscopic esophageal dilation is an effective and relatively safe treatment method for corrosive esophageal strictures in children, and children with strictures in a single segment tend to have a better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments.

Efficacy of bougie versus balloon dilatation in children with benign esophageal stricture: a propensity score–matched retrospective cohort study

Background and AimsEndoscopic dilatation is the primary management of esophageal strictures in children. However, pediatric data on which of the two endoscopic techniques, bougie or balloon, is better, and the effect of endoscopic dilatation on the growth of children is lacking. We aimed to evaluate (i) whether bougie or balloon dilatation is superior in efficacy and safety for short esophageal strictures in children and (ii) the impact of endoscopic dilatation on their growth. MethodsWe performed endoscopic dilatation every 2 to 3 weekly using either a bougie or balloon and considered it adequate if we could dilate the esophageal lumen to 15 mm (11mm in < 2 years, 12mm in 2-5years of age) with complete relief of symptoms for >2 months. ResultsTwo-fifty-nine children were enrolled, with 2580 dilatations performed during the study. We performed a comparative analysis on 77 children where an exclusive bougie versus balloon dilatation was carried out for short strictures (defined as stricture length <5cm). Both bougie and balloon showed similar efficacy [sessions for adequate dilatation: 5 (2.5-7.5) vs. 4 (2-6), p=0.40] and safety [perforation rate; 0.54% vs. 0.35%, p=0.591] for short strictures. On follow-up (median of 17 months), there was a significant improvement in both weight and height z-scores in children with successful dilatation. ConclusionsEndoscopic bougie and balloon dilatations were safe and effective, with no significant difference for short strictures. Successful dilatation resulted in significant improvement in growth on follow-up.

Retrospective analysis of endoscopic dilatation for pediatric patients with esophageal stricture: Bangladesh perspective

Background and objectives: Esophageal stricture in children is an intrinsic narrowing of the esophagus due to different etiologies, including congenital anomalies, corrosive substance or foreign body ingestion, and post-esophageal surgeries. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the results and procedures of endoscopic dilatation (ED) performed on children with esophageal strictures in a specialized center in Bangladesh. Methods: Between September 2018 and October 2022, 21 children aged 0.2 to 15 years at the time of the first procedure who underwent 48 ED sessions were included at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital (Dhaka, Bangladesh). We documented the basic characteristics of patients, indications for ED, therapeutic procedures, and outcomes. Outcome parameters were the frequency of dilatations, complications (if any), and clinical success rates. Clinical success was defined as no necessity of ED for a minimum of one year or increasing intervals among repeated dilatations. Results: Among the studied patients, the most common causes of stricture were congenital esophageal atresia and ingestion of corrosive substances. More than half of the studied patients required multiple ED sessions, with one patient requiring eight sessions who had congenital esophageal atresia with a postsurgical stricture. Dilatation was achieved mostly using Savary-Gilliard or controlled radial expansion balloons varying in sizes between 8.0 mm to 30 mm. More than 76% of the studied patients had clinical success, while the rest had clinical failures or unfinished treatment. Conclusion: ED attained good clinical success if performed by skilled gastroenterologists. However, repeated dilatation is frequent, especially in patients with a corrosive-caused stricture.

Effectiveness of sucralfate in preventing esophageal stricture in children after ingestion of caustic agents.

Ingestion of caustic agents by children is a serious health issue that can affect the patient for the rest of his life. The role of sucralfate in preventing stricture caused by caustic agents is controversial, and limited studies have been conducted in this field. We aimed to investigate the effect of sucralfate on preventing esophageal stricture in children. Sixty children with mean age of 36.69 ± 20.50months and grade II B esophageal burns due to ingestion of caustic agents were enrolled in the study. In the intervention group, in addition to the usual treatment, sucralfate was administered orally at a dose of 80mg/kg every 2h for 3days. For the control group, only the usual treatment was prescribed. Stricture development was compared between groups based on endoscopic and radiologic findings. Of the 60 patients enrolled in the study, 53 were examined. The incidence of esophageal stricture in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (37% versus 67%, P-value = 0.042). In addition, the odds of esophageal stricture after sucralfate intervention was significantly reduced after adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 0.198, P-value = 0.031). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that sucralfate may reduce the development of esophageal stricture in children when used to manage IIB esophageal burns due to ingestion of caustic agents. What is Known: •Ingestion of caustic agents by children is a serious health issue that can affect the patient for the rest of his life. •The role of sucralfate in preventing stricture caused by caustic agents is controversial and limited studies have been conducted in this field. What is New: • It seems that sucralfate significantly reduces the incidence of esophageal stricture following the ingestion of caustic agents in children compared to the control group. •We believe that the prognosis may be improved and the risk of stricture formation may be reduced with high doses of sucralfate therapy in grade IIB esophageal injury.

Esophageal dilation through bouginage or balloon catheters in children, as the treatment of benign esophageal strictures: results, considering the etiology, and the methods.

Corrosive substance ingestion, history of esophageal surgery, and reflux esophagitis are the main causes of benign esophageal strictures in children. Esophageal dilation is the first treatment option. Bougies and balloons are the most frequently used dilation tools. The literature record on esophageal dilation methods and their results is mostly composed of data gathered from adults, who differ from children in many terms, including etiology, indications, and results. This study aims to evaluate esophagial dilation in children; comparing the two mentioned modalities; and considering the impact of different diseases on dilation success. The benign esophageal stricture cases who had undergone esophageal dilation between 2001 and 2009, at two tertiary health-care centers of a university were evaluated retrospectively with regard to stricture etiology, treatment methods, and their results. In addition, balloon and bougie dilations were compared. Fifty-four cases were dilated in 447 sessions. The strictures were due to corrosive ingestion or anastomoses in 72.2% of the cases. Of the dilation sessions, 52.6% were performed with Savary-Gilliard bougies, and the rest with balloon dilators. No guidewire was needed in 53.2% of the bougie sessions. Fluoroscopy was used during balloon dilation sessions as a routine part of the method, while it was needed only to check the guide location when needed during the bougie dilation sessions. The complication rates of balloon and bougie dilation sessions were 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively. The mean session length was 26.2±11.8 and 42.6±13.7 min, for bougie and balloon, respectively. Success rate was 93.7% for the balloon, while 98.2% of the bougie sessions. Balloon catheters used were disposable. Savary-Gilliard bougies have advantages over balloon catheters with less need of fluoroscopy, shorter duration of sessions, and lower cost. Both methods are equivalently safe with close complication rates.

Histological evaluation of esophageal stricture in children with caustic burn

Histological evaluation of esophageal stricture in children with caustic burn

Fluoroscopy-guided balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures in children: 11-year experience.

The esophageal stricture is an important clinical problem in children, and the treatment is difficult. To evaluate the results of fluoroscopy-guided balloon dilatation of benign pediatric esophageal strictures and to suggest a safety range for balloon diameters. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children who underwent fluoroscopy-guided esophageal balloon dilatation for treatment of benign esophageal stricture from February 2008 to July 2019. We recorded the demographic data of the children, technical details of each procedure, balloon diameter, number of repeated procedures, clinical and technical success rates, complications and follow-up period. Technical success was defined as the disappearance of the waist formation on the balloon catheter, and clinical success was defined as no need for re-dilation or other treatment methods during the 1-year follow-up after the procedure. These children were divided into groups and evaluated according to esophageal stricture etiology. Technically successful procedures included 375 balloon dilatations in 116 patients (67 boys; age range: 1month to 18years; mean age: 4.3 ± 4.8 standard deviation [SD] years at the initial dilatation). The follow-up period was 1-138months (median: 41months; mean: 44months) since the last dilatation. In this study, the clinical success rate was 34% per procedure (120 of 353 procedures) and 85% per patients (91 of 107 patients). The total complication rate per procedure was 0.5%, and the perforation rate was 0.25% per session. Fluoroscopy-guided esophageal balloon dilatation is an effective and reliable method for treating benign esophageal strictures in children.

Risk factors for esophageal strictures in children and adolescents with eosinophilic esophagitis

Studies in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have reported esophageal strictures but none have examined risk factors associated with strictures. Aim: To assess risk factors associated with strictures in children with EoE. Methods: In this retrospective study, children with EoE seen over 20 years were separated into two groups; with and without strictures. Physical features, CBC, endoscopic findings, and biopsy of the distal and mid-esophagus were captured. Statistical significance with p - value and multivariate logistic regression was done. Results: Total patients 222 and 20 (9.1%) had strictures. Mean age of stricture patients 12.7 years (range 7-18) and non-stricture 9.3 years (range 1-17) (p = 0.006). Among stricture patients following were prevalent and significant; dysphagia (stricture 100% vs. non-stricture 41.6%, p = 0.0005) and food impaction (70.04% vs. 4%, p = 0.0005); EGD: rings and exudates were strongly associated with stricture, 45.0% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.0005 and 60% vs. 30.7%, p = 0.008, respectively. Abdominal pain was lower in the stricture group (5% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.017). Eosinophil counts were numerically more in the stricture group but not significant. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that strictures are likely to occur among patients with dysphagia (p = 0.02, OR = 11.7, 95% LCL 2.0) and food impaction (p = 0.0001, OR = 80.9, 95% LCL 15.4), respectively, adjusted for age and gender. Conclusion: EoE children with dysphagia or food impaction have a higher chance of having an esophageal stricture. These EoE children 12 years or over with exudates or rings on endoscopy, should be treated and carefully monitored, to reduce the risk of stricture formation.

Caustic Esophageal Strictures in Children: Diagnosis, Treatment and Evolution in the City of Douala

Caustic Esophageal Strictures in Children: Diagnosis, Treatment and Evolution in the City of Douala

Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Esophageal Dilatation in Pediatric Patients with Esophageal Strictures.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional single center study, records of patients with esophageal strictures presented to the pediatric department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain, in the period between 1995 and 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, indications of endoscopic dilatations, the procedure success rate, and possible complications were assessed. Results Forty-six children were found to have esophageal strictures. Twenty-five (54.3%) patients were males. Most patients presented during infancy (86.5%, 32/37 patients). Twenty-six (56.5%) patients required 88 dilatation sessions, while the remaining 20 (43.5%) patients did not require dilatations. The median number of dilatation sessions per patient was three (interquartile range = 2–5). Savary-Gilliard bougienages were the main dilators used (80.8%, 21/26 patients). Anastomotic stricture (post esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair) was the main cause of esophageal strictures and was found in 35 (76.1%) patients. Patients with nonanastomotic strictures had more frequent dilatations compared to those with anastomotic strictures (P = 0.007). The procedure success rate was 98.8%. Yet, it was operator dependent (P = 0.047). Complete response to dilatation was found in 18 (69.2%) patients, satisfactory in seven (26.9%), and an inadequate response in one (3.9%). Those with satisfactory responses still require ongoing dilatations based on their symptoms and radiological and endoscopic findings. No perforation or mortality was reported. Patients with dilatations had more recurrent hospitalization (P < 0.0001), more dysphagia (P = 0.001), but shorter hospital stay (P = 0.046) compared to those without dilatations. Surgical intervention was required in one patient with caustic strictures. The median follow-up period was six years (interquartile range = 2.25–9.0). Conclusions Endoscopic esophageal dilatation in children with esophageal strictures is effective and safe. Yet, it was operator dependent. Nonanastomotic strictures require more dilatations compared to anastomotic strictures. Findings of this study are comparable to those reported worldwide.

Acquired Esophageal Strictures in Children: Morphometric and Immunohistochemical Analyses.

Esophageal strictures (ES) in children are not well characterized pathologically. We report unique histopathologic analyses of resected acquired ES and control esophagi (CE). Muscle layer thicknesses were measured in intact well-oriented areas; inflammatory cells were counted in the most inflamed high power field (hpf). Sections were stained with relevant antibodies. Results were expressed as median, lower and upper quartiles. Wilcoxon Rank Sums non-parametric test was used to compare groups; P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. All ES (N = 10) showed focal replacement of lamina propria, muscularis mucosa and submucosa by actin+ fibers emanating from muscularis propria. Compared to CE (N = 8), ES displayed significantly thickened muscularis mucosa and propria, and increased mast cells (tryptase- and chymase-positive), and eosinophils in muscle layers (all P ≤ 0.01). Matrix proteins periostin and fibronectin were identified in the muscle layers of CE, and in the extracellular matrix in areas of disrupted architecture in ES. Compared to CE, acquired ES in children show significant structural alterations, including obliterative muscularization, inflammatory cell mural infiltrates, and extracellular matrix protein deposits. Therapies targeting connective tissue expansion, mast cells, eosinophils and inflammation may be beneficial to treat ES.

New therapies for esophageal strictures in children.

The present review aims at describing recent advances in therapeutic strategies for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures in children. We discuss current knowledge and practice on esophageal dilations, which are still the mainstream of treatment. We present new evidence about adjuvant treatments for recurrent and refractory strictures, including endoscopic incisional therapy, esophageal stenting, intralesional or topical mytomicin C and intralesional, systemic or topical steroids. Current evidence on esophageal dilations is not sufficient to establish superiority of one of the available techniques, especially the use of balloon or bougie dilators, but a prospective international cohort study on anastomotic stricture in esophageal atresia is underway to address this issue. Recurrent and refractory strictures still represent a challenge, since none of the adjuvant pharmacological and mechanical interventions has shown to be enough feasible, effective and safe to revolutionize clinical practice. In the last couple of years, several encouraging results have been published on management of esophageal strictures in children. Further research is needed, hopefully directed toward secure, easily reproducible and minimally invasive measures.

The effects of hesperidin on stricture formation in corrosive esophageal burns: an experimental study

Esophageal strictures in children that develop as a result of accidental ingestion of corrosive substances remain an important health problem. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of Hesperidin, an effective bioflavonoid in the proliferative and exudative phase of inflammation, on the stricture formation in corrosive esophageal burns. Experimental esophageal burns in rats were created using a modified Gehanno and Guedon model with 20% NaOH. Rats were divided into 5 groups. In the Sham group, the distal esophagus was prepared and cannulated according to the model, but no NaOH was administrated. The esophageal burn was created with NaOH in the other groups. The burned groups were divided into two groups as untreated (T14, T21) and treated with 100mg/kg/day Hesperidin (H14, H21) intraperitoneally, and these groups were divided into two according to their sacrification periods (14 and 21days). Inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis were graded by histopathological evaluation in all groups. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated using the weight of rats, stenosis index, and histopathological parameters. Histopathologic damage scores such as inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis were lower in the H14 and H21 groups and higher in the T14 and T21 groups. And also stenosis index was found higher in T14 and T21 groups (p < 0.05), while it was similar to the Sham group in H14 and H21 groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the H14 and H21 groups in terms of stenosis index. When weights of the rats at the beginning and end of the experiment were compared, weights of the H14 and H21 groups and the Sham group were similar. There was a significant decrease in the weight of the rats in the T14 and T21 groups (p < 0.001). This study is the first to use Hesperidin in preventing esophageal damage in an esophageal caustic burn model. It was shown that Hesperidin was effective in reducing macroscopic and microscopic histopathologic damage in the corrosive esophageal burn model, preventing the stricture formation, and has positive effects on nutrition in rats with an esophageal burn.

Systemic steroids have a role in treating esophageal strictures in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis

BackgroundThe role of systemic steroids in the treatment of esophageal strictures in children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is poorly defined. AimsTo describe a cohort of children with EoE-associated esophageal strictures responding to systemic steroids. MethodsRetrospective review of medical records of children with EoE and moderate (<9 mm) to severe (<6 mm) strictures, who responded clinically and endoscopically to systemic steroids. ResultsTwenty children (median age 10.6 ± 4.2 years; 17 males) from nine centers in six countries were included in the analysis; 16 had moderate and four, severe strictures; 18 had dysphagia or bolus impaction; median diagnostic delay was 8 months (IQR 3.5–35). Eighteen patients received oral systemic steroids (mean dose 1.4 mg/kg/day) for a median of 4 weeks, while two initially received IV steroids. All patients showed clinical improvement and 15/20 became asymptomatic. Stricture resolution at endoscopy was found in 19/20, while histological resolution of EoE (<15 eos/hpf) in 13/20. Only minor side effects were reported: hyperphagia (10/20); weight gain (5/20); hyperactivity (2/20) and acne (1/20). Esophageal dilation was required in 3/20 patients during a median follow-up of 48.5 months (IQR 26.7–73.2). ConclusionChildren with EoE and esophageal strictures, may benefit from the use of a short course of systemic steroids, avoiding mechanical dilation.

Acquired noncaustic esophageal strictures in children.

Background Esophageal stricture (ES) is an uncommon clinic entity in pediatrics that may be congenital or acquired in childhood. Acquired noncaustic ES is very rare, and clinical features of affected patients are unknown.Purpose We aimed to evaluate the clinical findings, and outcomes of patients with acquired noncaustic ES to aid physicians in the early referral of patients to gastroenterologists.Methods The medical data of patients with acquired noncaustic ES who were followed in our gastroenterology clinic between January 2009 and December 2019 were reviewed.Results Acquired noncaustic ES was found in 12 of the 4,950 patients (0.24%) who underwent endoscopy during the study period. The main symptoms were dysphagia (58.3%), vomiting (33.3%), and chronic anemia (8.3%). Chronic malnutrition and underweight were found in 66.6% of the patients. The most common etiological factors were radiotherapy, peptic reflux, and achalasia (16.6%, each), while chemotherapy, squamous-cell carcinoma (SC) of the esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), esophageal web, epidermolysis bullosa, and esophageal diverticulum (8.2%, each) were the other etiological factors. Patients with EoE underwent endoscopic bougie dilation in addition to steroid use and elimination diet. Patients with epidermolysis bullosa and esophageal web underwent bougie dilation. Patients with peptic reflux-related ES were initially put on antireflux therapy, but during follow-up, one patient required esophageal replacement with colonic interposition. Patients with radiotherapy-related ES recovered with medical therapy. The patient with initially underwent surgical gastrostomy and tumoral mass excision. The patient then received chemotherapy and radiotherapy and underwent jejunal interposition. Patients with achalasia underwent surgical esophagomyotomy.Conclusion The presence of solid dysphagia, malnutrition, and an associated disease may alert physicians to the presence of ES.

Predictors of successful endoscopic management of caustic esophageal strictures in children: When to stop the dilatations?

BackgroundCaustic esophageal strictures are mainly managed by endoscopic dilatations. Cases that do not respond to the dilatations eventually require an esophageal replacement. The aim of our study was to identify factors that could allow us to predict if the dilatations will be successful or not. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the chart of 100 patients with caustic esophageal injuries treated at our center between 2012 and 2019. Collected data included age, gender, type of caustic substance, duration of the dilatations, length and extent of the strictures, number and time interval between dilatations, presence of gastroesophageal reflux, occurrence of esophageal perforation, and outcome of the dilatation program. ResultsThe patient ages ranged from 1 to 8 years old. The overall success rate was 98.2% for patients with short strictures and 81.8% for patients with long strictures (>3 cm). A long stricture, a pharyngeal extension of the stricture, the occurrence of an esophageal perforation, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux were strong predictors of the failure of the dilatation program. The median treatment time for the patients to achieve a cure was 5 months in cases of short strictures and 17 months in cases of long strictures. Within the subgroup of patients with long strictures, a dysphagia-free period within the first year of management of 8 weeks was associated with the success of the dilatation program. ConclusionA length of more than 3 cm, pharyngeal involvement, the occurrence of esophageal perforation, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux are predictors of failure of dilatations for the management of caustic esophageal strictures. A dysphagia-free period of 8 weeks or more within the first year of dilatations is considered a predictor of success of dilatations in patients with long strictures. Level of EvidenceLevel II.

The Most Common Causes of Benign Esophageal Stricture in Children and the Success Rate of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation, a Single-Center Experience

Background: Benign esophageal strictures are not rare. Over the past two decades, endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) has been used to treat them. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the most common causes of benign esophageal stricture in children determine the success rate of endoscopic balloon dilatation. Methods: Children younger than 16 years with benign esophageal strictures referred to the endoscopy department during one year (2016 - 2017) were enrolled. After obtaining written consent from parents, endoscopy balloon dilatation was performed with two types of balloon catheters. Response to treatment was evaluated based on clinical symptoms and was classified according to the Vantrappen table score. Results: In this study, thirty-one (31) children participated including 19 (61%) boys and 12 (39%) girls. The mean age was 5.1 ± 3.9 years. The most common causes of esophageal stricture were: achalasia (45%), esophageal atresia (19%), stenosis due to the caustic ingestion (19%), another congenital stenosis (16%). Overall, 27 children (87.1%) had a good response to treatment. In children with stenosis due to caustic ingestion, the inappropriate response was higher than the rest (33%). However, only in 4 (12.9%) patients, balloon dilatation failed. No complications were observed. Conclusions: Achalasia, esophageal atresia, and caustic ingestion are the most common cause of benign esophageal stricture in the children. EBD is an effective and safe treatment in these children, even in cases of previous surgery and recurrence. If this procedure is performed by an expert using appropriate balloon catheters, no complications will be created.

Complications of esophageal strictures dilatation in children. A tertiary-center experience.

Objectives:To report the results of endoscopic dilatation of esophageal strictures in children, its complications, and their management. The outcomes of esophageal dilatation differ according to the underlying etiology.Methods:The study included 46 patients who underwent esophageal dilatation between 2014-2019. All patients underwent a contrast study of the esophagus before endoscopic dilation to determine the location, number, and length of the narrowing. In addition, the type of dilators (balloon versus semi-rigid dilators), the number of dilatation sessions, the interval between them, and the duration of follow-up were also documented. The median age was 2.47 years, and 26 patients were females. Dysphagia was the main presenting symptom, and the leading cause of stricture was esophageal atresia.Results:The main treatment modality was endoscopic balloon dilatation (n=29, 63%). The esophageal diameter was significantly increased after dilation (9 [7-11] versus 12 [10-12.8]) mm; p<0.001). Topical mitomycin-C was used as adjuvant therapy in 3 patients (6.5%). Esophageal perforation was reported in 2 cases (4.3%). Patients needed a median of 3 dilatation sessions, 25-75th percentiles: 1-5, and the median duration between the first and last dilatation was 2.18 years 25-75th percentiles: 0.5-4.21.Conclusion:Esophageal dilatation is effective for the management of children with esophageal stricture; however, repeated dilatation is frequent, especially in patients with corrosive strictures. Complications are not common, and open surgery is not frequently required.