V. Dhir et al., DILATION OF PROXIMAL ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES FOLLOWING THERAPY FOR HEADAND NECK-CANCER - EXPERIENCE WITH SAVARY-GILLIARD DILATORS, Journal of surgical oncology, 63(3), 1996, pp. 187-190
Background: There is Little information on dilation of proximal strict
ures following surgical and/or radiation therapy for head and neck can
cer. We studied the feasibility and efficacy of dilating proximal stri
ctures following therapy for head and neck cancer using Savary Gilliar
d dilators. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with proximal str
ictures resulting from surgery and/or radiation therapy of head and ne
ck cancer were studied. Savary Gilliard dilation was performed using t
he standard and a modified method. Dysphagia was graded before and aft
er dilation using a 5-point scale. Results: Technical success, dysphag
ia relief, complications, and duration of relief were noted. Technical
success was achieved in 20 (95%) patients. Adequate dysphagia relief
was obtained in 15/20 (75%) patients, which lasted for 4-36 weeks (med
ian 14 weeks). There were no perforations, bleeding, or deaths. Four p
atients required repeat dilation after a median interval of 12 weeks.
Conclusions: Savary Gilliard dilation is a safe and effective method f
or dilating strictures caused by therapy for head and neck cancer. (C)
1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.