[Endoscopic therapy of benign anastomotic stenoses in the area of the colon and rectum by electro-incision and balloon dilatation].

21 patients with a severe anastomotic stenosis in the colorectal region were treated with hydraulic balloon dilatation and endoscopic electro-incision. The severity of symptoms directly correlates with the extent of stenosis (degree I phi 13 mm, n = 12; degree II phi 7 mm, n = 6; degree III phi 4 mm, n = 3). All patients with a stenosis of degree I and II were symptom-free after the endoscopic therapy. In 2 of 3 cases the symptoms of stenosis of degree III could clinically be improved after the treatment. The average frequency of dilatation was 1.5 x, complications such as bleeding or perforation were not registered. Animal studies explain anastomotic stenosis through an increased submucosal formation of collagen fibers followed by formation of scars in the anastomosis. The efficiency of electro-incision and balloon dilatation is based on an increased diameter in the anastomotic region without increased formation of new collagen fibers.