"Splitting" and stretching dilation of esophageal strictures.

The "Splitting" action of metal olives, and the stretching effect of tapering Neoplex tubes of increasing diameter on dysphagia in a group of 55 consecutive patients with esophageal strictures are compared. Dilators were passed over a fibreoptic endoscopically positioned guide wire. Greater relief of dysphagic symptoms was obtained with the stretching procedure, mainly in postanastomotic and peptic strictures. Both procedures were safe, but the stretching technique was easier and resulted in wider dilations in most patients. Consecutive dilations using stretching procedures in malignant strictures appear to be an appropriate easy and safe alternative to endoprosthesis insertion.