INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO GASTROINTESTINAL STRICTURES

Malignant and benign enteric strictures have traditionally been treate d surgically but these operations frequently carry an unacceptably hig h morbidity and mortality. Balloon dilation provides effective radial dilating forces without the longitudinal sheering forces of traditiona l rigid dilators. The use of metallic stents can further expand the ra nge of enteric strictures treatable by interventional radiological met hods and can provide rapid palliation of symptoms. The techniques for dilating and stenting enteric strictures are described and critiqued.