Evaluation of non-surgical treatment of benign oesophageal stricture.

Benign oesophageal stricture is a disabling problem associated with oesophageal surgery, injection sclerotherapy and patients with reflux problems. Fortunately, mechanical dilatation has emerged as an effective treatment of choice. In recent years, balloon dilatation appears to have gained popularity because of its efficacy and safety. This study of 43 patients compares manual dilatation with balloon dilatation. Twenty-one patients underwent manual dilatation with either Eder-Puestow or Gum Elastic dilators. There were 4 failures which were then treated successfully with balloon dilatation. Two other patients developed perforation and needed emergency surgery. Nine patients required 3 or more graduated dilatations within one month. Another group of 22 patients were treated successfully by balloon dilatation without any complications. Ten patients developed recurrent dysphagia and needed another repeat dilatation after an interval averaging 4.5 months. The results show quite conclusively that balloon dilatation is superior to manual dilatation.