Treatment Of Esophageal Strictures Research Articles

A rare combination of complicated eosinophilic esophagitis and Crohn's disease in a 17-year-old сhild. Case report

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are chronic immune-mediated diseases with complex pathogenesis. Little is known about overlap of EoE and IBD in pediatrics.A 17-year-old male patient was admitted to the endoscopy department of the Research Institute of Emergency Pediatric Surgery and Trauma (Moscow) with dysphagia that had been lasting for a year. For the first time EoE was diagnosed and histologically confirmed in this child 2 years ago. Since that time the patient didn’t receive any treatment and follow-up. Endoscopy confirmed eosinophilic esophagitis with esophageal stricture (E2R1E1F2S1) which was successfully corrected by the endoscopic balloon dilatation. The symptoms of dysphagia disappeared completely, but 3 months later the patient complained of blood in the stool and an anal fissure. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed decreased activity of EoE (E1R0E1F1S0) without strictures. Crohn's disease was diagnosed by ileocolonoscopy with biopsy. An anal fissure was epithelized within treatment of Crohn's disease. Comorbid complicated forms of eosinophilic esophagitis and Crohn's disease in children are uncommon. Endoscopy allowed timely minimally invasive treatment of esophageal stricture as well as diagnostics of a rare combination of immune-mediated chronic diseases of digestive tract.

Treatment methods for oesophageal strictures in paediatric patients with epidermolysis bullosa: a systematic review

BackgroundEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a collection of rare, inherited disorders that require treatment in specialised centres by multidisciplinary teams knowledgeable about the unique features and challenges of EB manifestations and...

Safety and efficacy of conventional compared to segmented esophageal fully covered self-expanding metal stents: a retrospective multicenter case-control study.

Segmented self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an alternative to conventional unsegmented SEMS in the treatment of esophageal strictures. Due to their segmented design, they may adapt better to the surrounding structures making them less likely to migrate or cause trauma. We examined if there are clinically relevant differences between segmented and conventional esophageal SEMS in benign and malignant stenosis in terms of their functionality and safety. We performed a multicenter, retrospective case-control study of segmented and conventional SEMS implantations in esophageal stenosis. Outcome parameters were adverse events such as migration, occlusion, and severe complications (i.e., bleeding and perforation). 79 segmented SEMS were identified and compared to 79 conventional SEMS implantations. Groups were similar in terms of age, gender, and etiology. We observed 13.9% severe complications (SEMS-associated clinically significant bleeding or perforation) in the conventional SEMS group compared to 3.8% in the segmented SEMS group. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.025). Rates of migration and occlusion were similar between both groups. Likewise, there was no significant difference in terms of short-term (30days) clinical success. In this first controlled analysis, segmented SEMS were associated with fewer severe clinical complications compared to conventional SEMS.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: An update from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the squamous epithelium. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published a guideline in 2014; however, the rapid evolution of knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options have made an update necessary. A consensus group of pediatric gastroenterologists from the ESPGHAN Working Group on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (ESPGHAN EGID WG) reviewed the recent literature and proposed statements and recommendations on 28 relevant questions about EoE. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2022. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. A total of 52 statements based on the available evidence and 44 consensus-based recommendations are available. A revision of the diagnostic protocol, options for initial drug treatment, and the new concept of simplified empiric elimination diets are now available. Biologics are becoming a part of the potential armamentarium for refractory EoE, and systemic steroids may be considered as the initial treatment for esophageal strictures before esophageal dilation. The importance and assessment of quality of life and a planned transition to adult medical care are new areas addressed in this guideline. Research in recent years has led to a better understanding of childhood EoE. This guideline incorporates the new findings and provides a practical guide for clinicians treating children diagnosed with EoE.

The Dual Lens of Endoscopy and Histology in the Diagnosis and Management of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders-A Comprehensive Review.

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) are a group of conditions characterized by abnormal eosinophil accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract. Among these EGIDs, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is the most well documented, while less is known about Eosinophilic Gastritis (EoG), Eosinophilic Enteritis (EoN), and Eosinophilic Colitis (EoC). The role of endoscopy in EGIDs is pivotal, with applications in diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic intervention. In EoE, the endoscopic reference score (EREFS) has been shown to be accurate in raising diagnostic suspicion and effective in monitoring therapeutic responses. Additionally, endoscopic dilation is the first-line treatment for esophageal strictures. For EoG and EoN, while the literature is more limited, common endoscopic findings include erythema, nodules, and ulcerations. Histology remains the gold standard for diagnosing EGIDs, as it quantifies eosinophilic infiltration. In recent years, there have been significant advancements in the histological understanding of EoE, leading to the development of diagnostic scores and the identification of specific microscopic features associated with the disease. However, for EoG, EoN, and EoC, precise eosinophil count thresholds for diagnosis have not yet been established. This review aims to elucidate the role of endoscopy and histology in the diagnosis and management of the three main EGIDs and to analyze their strengths and limitations, their interconnection, and future research directions.

Self-expandable metallic stents may be more efficient than balloon dilatation alone for esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection: a retrospective cohort study in China.

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) can be used to treat esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), but its efficacy and placement timing remain to be determined. In this study, the treatment time and number of dilatations were compared between the SEMS placement group and the balloon dilatation (BD) group to clarify the efficacy and placement time of SEMSs in the treatment of esophageal stricture after circumferential esophageal ESD. This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with esophageal stricture after circumferential ESD between January 2015 and January 2020 were included. Data on the patients' demographic characteristics, esophageal lesion-related factors, esophageal stricture occurrence, and measures taken to treat the stricture were collected. The primary outcome was the treatment time, and the secondary outcome was the number of dilatations. The total number of dilatations was 30 in the SEMS group and 106 in the BD group. The average number of dilatations in the SEMS group (1.76 ± 1.64) was significantly lower than that in the BD group (4.42 ± 5.32) (P = 0.016). Among the patients who underwent SEMS placement first had a shorter treatment time (average 119days) than those who underwent BD first (average 245days) (P = 0.041), and the average number of dilatations inpatients who underwent SEMS placement first (0.71 ± 1.07) was significantly lower than that in the patients who underwent BD first (2.5 ± 1.54). SEMSs were more efficient in the treatment of esophageal stricture in a cohort of patients after circumferential esophageal ESD.

Comprehensive review of materials, applications, and future innovations in biodegradable esophageal stents.

Esophageal stricture (ES) results from benign and malignant conditions, such as uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal neoplasms. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the preferred diagnostic approach for ES and its underlying causes. Stent insertion using an endoscope is a prevalent method for alleviating or treating ES. Nevertheless, the widely used self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) and self-expandable plastic stents (SEPS) can result in complications such as migration and restenosis. Furthermore, they necessitate secondary extraction in cases of benign esophageal stricture (BES), rendering them unsatisfactory for clinical requirements. Over the past 3decades, significant attention has been devoted to biodegradable materials, including synthetic polyester polymers and magnesium-based alloys, owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability while addressing the challenges associated with recurring procedures after BES resolves. Novel esophageal stents have been developed and are undergoing experimental and clinical trials. Drug-eluting stents (DES) with drug-loading and drug-releasing capabilities are currently a research focal point, offering more efficient and precise ES treatments. Functional innovations have been investigated to optimize stent performance, including unidirectional drug-release and anti-migration features. Emerging manufacturing technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and new biodegradable materials such as hydrogels have also contributed to the innovation of esophageal stents. The ultimate objective of the research and development of these materials is their clinical application in the treatment of ES and other benign conditions and the palliative treatment of malignant esophageal stricture (MES). This review aimed to offer a comprehensive overview of current biodegradable esophageal stent materials and their applications, highlight current research limitations and innovations, and offer insights into future development priorities and directions.

A Novel Deformable Self-Assembled Magnetic Anastomosis Ring (DSAMAR) for Esophageal Stenosis Recanalization without Temporary Gastrostomy in Beagle Dogs

To assess the feasibility of a deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring (DSAMAR) in the treatment of esophageal stenosis in beagle dogs via transoral access without temporary gastrostomy. Experimental esophageal stenosis was created in 10 beagle dogs by partial cervical esophageal ligation. The DSAMAR was inserted into the distal esophagus via the narrow section of the esophagus using a gastroscope. A circular DSAMAR was placed in the proximal esophagus. The magnetic rings on both sides of the experimental stenosis automatically attracted each other. We then recorded the operation time, postoperative complications, anastomotic formation time, and magnetic ring discharge time. The dogs were euthanized 4 weeks postoperatively; subsequently, we obtained the esophageal anastomotic specimens and observed the anastomotic formation via the naked eye and by light microscopy. Our esophageal stenosis model produced reproducible stenoses in all dogs, which was confirmed via endoscopy and esophagography. DSAMAR was successfully implanted in all experimental animals under endoscopic and X-ray monitoring, and all linear DSAMARs were successfully transformed into rings. The magnets at both ends of the esophageal stenosis were automatically attracted. All animals survived until euthanasia. No complications, including esophageal perforation, bleeding, and gastrointestinal obstruction, were noted during the perioperative period. The mean operation time of endoscopic magnetic anastomosis was 15.6±2.41 (range, 12-19) min. The mean esophageal anastomotic formation time was 8.8±1.03 (range, 7-10) days, and the mean expulsion time of DSAMAR was 13.94±2.88 (range, 10-19) days. Gastroscopy and esophagography were performed at 4 weeks postoperatively; the esophageal patency was good. Macroscopic observation of the esophageal anastomotic specimens revealed that the esophageal mucosal layer of the anastomosis had good continuity and the anastomosis was smooth. DSAMAR is a feasible option for magnetic recanalization of esophageal stricture via transoral access without temporary gastrostomy.

S1266 Clinical Outcomes of Fully Covered Biliary Stents With Anti-Migration Fins for the Treatment of Esophageal Strictures

S1266 Clinical Outcomes of Fully Covered Biliary Stents With Anti-Migration Fins for the Treatment of Esophageal Strictures

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of esophageal stricture in Chinese children

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of esophageal stricture in Chinese children

RISK FACTORS FOR REFRACTORY BENIGN ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES

Background: The management of patients with refractory benign esophageal stricture is time-consuming and challenging. Dilation is the classic treatment for esophageal strictures, expressed primarily as dysphagia, which can significantly impair quality of life.Our objective is to report the results of dilatation, as well as the different risk factors of refractory benign esophageal strictures. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study. Thirty-three patients with benign esophageal strictures were treated by dilation between 2016 and 2021. Refractory stenosis was defined as the inability to maintain esophageal caliber at 14 mm diameter over 5 dilatation sessions, or the inability to maintain satisfactory luminal diameter for 4 weeks once a 14 mm diameter was achieved. Results: 12 patients had refractory strictures. All patients had dysphagia.After univariate analysis, refractory strictures were associated with the presence of a peptic stenosis (p=0.002) and dilatations of caliber less than 16 mm (p=0.012), after multivariate analysis only peptic stenosis was associated with refractory stenosis (p=0.034). Conclusion: In our series, refractory stenosis was present in 38.7%. Peptic stenosis was statistically significantly associated with refractory esophageal stenosis.

Recurrent Esophageal Stricture as a Result of Esophageal Diverticulum: Case Report

Esophageal stricture is a disorder that limiting patients’ capability to get adequate intake. Dysphagia and regurgitation are main problem that makes patient admit to the hospital. There are several causes that narrowing esophageal lumen; those could be intraluminal or extraluminal. Esophageal diverticulum is one of a kind. It is not easy to establish the diagnosis of diverticulum in esophagus segment since supporting examination needed were complex. Esophageal stricture treatment should be interdisciplinary approach because inappropriate management would increase risk of complication and lowering patient’s quality of life. The management of esophageal diverticulum could be challenging and its prognosis depends on the patient’s characteristic and comorbidity.

Benefits of precise endoscopic incision on post-dilation mucosal scars to treat refractory esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic dilation (ED) is the mainstream treatment for esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, some complex esophageal strictures do not respond well to dilation. Endoscopic radial incision (ERI) has proved to be effective in treating anastomotic strictures, but it is rarely used to treat post-ESD esophageal strictures due to technical difficulties and risks, not to mention the optimal method and timing to perform ERI. Here, we developed an integrated procedure in which ED was performed first, followed by ERI on the stiff scars that remained intact after dilation. The ED + ERI procedure resulted in complete, uniform expansion of the esophageal lumen. Between 2019 and 2022, 5 post-ESD patients who received a median number of 11 sessions of ED (range, 4-28) of ED over a period of 322 days (range, 246-584) but still had moderate to severe dysphagia were admitted. 2 or 3 sessions of ED + ERI were performed for each patient interspersed with ED. After a median number of 4 treatments (range, 2-9), all patients were symptom-free or had minimal symptoms. No serious complications occurred in any patients who underwent ED + ERI. Therefore, ED + ERI is safe, feasible, and may serve as a useful therapeutic method for refractory esophageal stricture after ESD.

Nutritional Status and the Outcomes of Endoscopic Stenting in Benign and Malignant Diseases of Esophagus

Endoscopic stenting (ES) is a widely known method for palliative dysphagia treatment in esophageal strictures. Esophageal cancer is often associated with advanced malnutrition, which may increase the risk of complications of the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate complication rates and the impact of nutritional status on the outcomes of ES. A single-center retrospective study was conducted at Copernicus Hospital in Gdańsk, Poland. Adult patients who underwent endoscopic stenting between February 2014 and December 2018 were included. The influence of patient characteristics (age, sex, indications for esophageal stenting, and location of stenosis) and nutritional status (BMI, NRS 2002, GLIM, and dysphagia score) on complication rates and survival were analyzed. Eighty-one patients (69% men) were enrolled in the study. In 69%, the indication for ES was malignancy (mainly esophageal cancer). The median dysphagia score significantly decreased from 2.8 to 0.6 after the procedure (p < 0.001). Complications were observed in 27% (n = 22) of the patients. Early complications were bleeding (2.5%), stent unexpansion (2.5%), and stent migration during the procedure (3.7%). There were no early fatal complications of the procedure. Late complications included: stent migration (6.2%), tissue overgrowth (6.2%), food impaction (2.2%), fistula formation (3.7%), bleeding (3.7%), and stent malposition (1.2%). A total of 76% of the participants scored ≥ 3 points in nutritional screening (NRS2002) and 70% were diagnosed with severe malnutrition (GLIM -stage 2). A stent diameter of < 2.2 cm compared with ≥ 2.2 was associated with a higher rate of migrations (15.5% vs. 2.5%). The median survival time in the malignant group was 90 days. Histopathological diagnosis and patients' nutritional status (BMI, NRS 2002, GLIM, and dysphagia score) had no significant effect on complication rates and survival after esophageal stent insertion. Endoscopic stenting is a relatively safe procedure for the palliative treatment of esophageal strictures. Severe malnutrition, although common, does not affect the outcomes of the procedure.

Biomechanical Study of New Biodegradable Esophageal Stent

The radial force of the degradable esophageal stent before and after degradation is one of the important indicators for effective treatment of esophageal stricture. Based on a combination of in vitro experiments and finite element analysis, this paper studies and verifies the biomechanical properties of a new type of degradable esophageal stent under different esophageal stricture conditions. Under radial extrusion conditions, the maximum stress at the port of the stent is 65.25 MPa, and the maximum strain is 1.98%; The peak values of stress and strain under local extrusion and plane extrusion conditions both appear in the extrusion area and the compression expansion area at both ends, which are respectively 48.68 MPa, 46.40 MPa, 0.49%, 1.13%. The maximum radial force of the undegraded stent was 11.22 N, and 97% and 51% of the maximum radial force were maintained after 3 months and 6 months of degradation, respectively. The research results verify the safety and effectiveness of the radial force of the new degradable esophageal stent, and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of esophageal stricture.

Pediatric esophageal stenoses: Challenges and new surgical device promoting tension-free esophageal anastomosis.

Esophageal stenoses of childhood have a broad spectrum of underlying causes. Their treatment is usually minimally invasive by endoscopic means, but sometimes surgery is necessary in refractory cases. Techniques employed in the surgical treatment of esophageal strictures include resection of the stenotic esophageal segment or esophageal substitution procedures. Esophageal anastomosis has always been a challenge in pediatric surgery. Anastomosis complications are linked to anatomical, biological and technical aspects. Mechanical tension between esophageal ends is an important cause of complications including anastomotic leaks or dehiscence. Eleven cases of esophageal stenoses, surgically treated in the Pediatric Surgery Department of Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children 'Marie S. Curie' by a single team in 5 years, were included in the present study. The results showed that, the main causes of esophageal stenosis were represented by corrosive esophageal injury in five cases, complications of esophageal atresia repair in three cases, congenital esophageal stenosis in two cases and chemotherapy-induced esophageal necrosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in one case. The authors also designed and presented a device facilitating esophageal anastomosis under tension. Its principle involved temporary absorption of tension at secure points of the two esophageal pouches and reallocating it in equal amounts following anastomosis while decreasing any stretch-related tissue trauma. In conclusion, this auxiliary tool is beneficial for esophageal anastomosis; however, the standard steps of the esophageal anastomosis procedure should still be considered when necessary.

Technical feasibility, clinical effectiveness, and safety of esophageal stricture dilation using a novel endoscopic attachment cap in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis

The BougieCap (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany) is a new device that allows optical and tactile feedback during stricture dilation of the upper GI tract. We evaluated the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety of a 1-time esophageal stricture dilation using the BougieCap in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE patients prospectively included in the Swiss EoE Cohort were dilated with the BougieCap for esophageal strictures (esophageal diameter,≤14mm) and stricture-related symptoms. Symptoms were assessed before and 2 weeks after a single dilation session using the validated Eosinophilic Esophagitis Activity Index Patient Reported Outcomes instrument (score ranges from 0 to 100 points). Fifty patients (70% men; median age, 41 years; median disease duration, 4 years; 50% treated with swallowed topical corticosteroids, 10% with proton pump inhibitors, 14% with combined swallowed topical corticosteroids plus proton pump inhibitors, 14% with elimination diet, 12% without antieosinophil therapy) were evaluated. Endoscopic bougienage was technically successful in 100%. The median esophageal diameter increased from 12mm (interquartile range [IQR], 12-13) to 16mm (IQR, 16-16; P< .001). Median symptom severity dropped from 32 points (IQR, 27-41) to 0 (IQR, 0-10; P< .001) at 2 weeks postdilation. In 1 patient the BougieCap was temporarily lost after stricture dilation in the hypopharynx but could be retrieved. No severe adverse events were reported. In adults with EoE, endoscopic treatment of esophageal strictures using the BougieCap is technically feasible and safe and offers significant symptomatic improvement in the short term.

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

The role of systemic steroids in the treatment of esophageal strictures in children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is poorly defined. To describe a cohort of children with EoE-associated esophageal strictures responding to systemic steroids. Retrospective 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. Twenty 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). Children with EoE and esophageal strictures, may benefit from the use of a short course of systemic steroids, avoiding mechanical dilation.

Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Esophageal Stricture after Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Early Esophageal Cancer.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the main treatment for early esophageal cancer. While treating the disease, ESD may also cause postoperative esophageal stricture, which is a global issue that needs resolution. Various methods have been applied to resolve the problem, such as mechanical dilatation, glucocorticoids, anti-scarring drugs, and regenerative medicine; however, no standard treatment regimen exists. This article describes and evaluates the strengths and limitations of new and promising potential strategies for the treatment and prevention of esophageal strictures.

133 SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL STENOSIS DUE TO CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES

Abstract Corrosive ingestion is a significant challenge for healthcare support. Limited data is available regarding the best treatment, and there is still a lack of consensus about the optimal surgical approach and its outcomes. This study aims to show a single-institution experience of surgical treatment of esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substance ingestion and review the current literature. Methods A retrospective review, including demographics, psychiatric profile, surgical procedures, and outcomes, is described. A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed. Results In total, 27 surgical procedures for esophageal stenosis due to corrosive substances ingestion were performed from 2010 to 2019. Depression and drug abuse were diagnosed in 30% and 22% of the included patients, respectively. The incidence rate of cancer in patients with corrosive esophageal stenosis is 701.7–874.1 per 1,000,000 person-years, and the cancer latency between corrosion ingestion to carcinoma is 10–58 years. Esophagectomy and esophageal bypass were performed in 13 and 14 patients, respectively. No 30-day mortality was recorded. Conclusion The surgical intervention either by esophagectomy or esophageal bypass seems to show a high success rate. However, the outcomes depend on a high-quality multidisciplinary network of esophageal and thoracic surgeons, intensivists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and nutritional teams.