Esophageal strictures: balloon dilation.

One hundred seventy transnasal balloon catheter dilation procedures were performed in 35 patients with esophageal strictures to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure. On the average, five dilations were required per patient. Depending on the cause of the esophageal stricture, success rates for the technique ranged from 67% to 87%, with success defined as the resolution of dysphagia to both fluids and solids. Three complications, all perforations, were seen; one perforation required surgical repair. No procedure-related deaths were identified in this series. Balloon catheter dilation can be safely applied to esophageal strictures from a variety of causes, with a high degree of clinical success.