ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND MINIPROBE-GUIDED STEROID INJECTION FOR TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES

Local injection of corticosteroids into refractory esophageal strictur es to decrease the restenosis rate has been reported. Here we report o ur efforts in three patients to render the delivery of steroids more p recise, by injecting them in the thickest segment of the stricture wit h the guidance of a high frequency ultrasound miniprobe passed through a regular upper endoscope. Steroid injection under ultrasound minipro be guidance may be indicated for patients who do not respond to a ''bl ind'' steroid injection without miniprobe guidance.