BALLOON DILATION OF ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES IN CHILDREN

Esophageal strictures in children may develop as a primary constrictio n, secondary to a surgically repaired esophageal atresia (with or with out tracheoesophageal fistula), as a result of chemical injury after c austic ingestion, or following esophageal surgery. Traditional treatme nt of esophageal strictures has been limited to dilation (using bougie dilators) with esophagoscopy under general anesthesia. Recent reports have shown success with fluoroscopically guided balloon catheter dila tion. Eight children (aged 2 months to 14 years) were treated with bal loon catheter dilation for focal strictures of the esophagus. In six o f the eight cases, complete resolution of the strictures was achieved after an average of 7.5 dilations (range, 1 to 14). Two of the eight p atients moved to another part of the country and did not complete trea tment. There has been no morbidity or mortality. In selected centers, balloon catheter dilation under fluoroscopic guidance has become a saf e treatment of benign esophageal strictures in children. It should be considered the treatment of choice in the initial management of esopha geal narrowing and appears to safer than the more traditional methods of esophageal dilation. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company