Benign strictures of the esophagus are serious illnesses that have a great
adverse effect on the quality of life of patients, There are several method
s of treatment. In this study the endoscopical balloon dilatation technique
was used. All dilatations were performed under analgosedation, and plastic
balloons (6-25 mm) were used. Ninety dilatations were performed between 19
95 and 1997, Twenty-two patients were diagnosed as having benign stenosis o
f the esophagus, We evaluated the effectiveness and the complication rate o
f the method. All patients except two showed immediate improvement: 59% wer
e cured; 18% had at least one recurrence of the stenosis; 9% had improvemen
t but treatment continues; 14% required other treatment. We encountered two
cases with major complications, i.e. perforation, Balloon dilatation seems
to be an effective and safe method for treatment of the benign esophageal
strictures and is well tolerated by patients. Endoscopic control is suffici
ent, and radiographic control is not required. Randomized prospective studi
es are needed to establish the role of this method in comparison with other
treatments.