Anastomotic strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract: results of balloon dilation.

Enteroenteric anastomotic strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract are common and require treatment if significant obstruction occurs. The authors performed 44 fluoroscopically guided balloon dilations in 19 patients with symptomatic anastomotic strictures. The anastomoses were esophagoesophageal (n = 5), esophagogastric (n = 8), esophagoileocolonic (n = 4), and gastrojejunal (n = 2). Nine patients required only one balloon dilation for stricture lysis and relief of clinical symptoms. Recurrent symptoms developed in the remaining ten patients, who required two to eight dilations. Radiographically, stenoses made up 40%-90% of the anastomotic lumen before dilation (mean, 72%). Complete resolution of the stricture was achieved during the procedure in 24 instances. Residual stenosis in 18 instances varied from 7% to 45% (mean, 21%). Two complications, a mucosal tear and a perforation, were immediately recognized and successfully treated non-operatively. The authors conclude that fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation has an important role in the treatment of anastomotic strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract.