[Balloon dilatation of postoperative esophageal stenoses in children].

During the period 1987-92, seven patients (two girls and five boys under one year of age) were dilated for strictures following oesophageal atresia operation. The total number of dilatations was 47. Six out of seven patients were treated successfully. No sedation/anaesthesia was used. There was one episode of cyanosis and brief respiratory arrest, and two incidents of intramural tears. None of these episodes required surgical intervention. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation of oesophageal strictures is considered a safe and efficient treatment, also for outpatients.