Dilation of strictures after esophageal resection and reconstruction.

Dilation has remained an indispensable method of therapy for postoperative esophageal stricture even nowadays. Dilation with proper equipment and instruments of esophageal stricture after resection is a safe procedure. It can be performed most effectively and with reduced danger by Savary-Gilliard instrument or balloon. If it is only scar and there is no relapse, dysphagia starts mostly within 2-3 months after the operation. In the case of local relapse the postoperation stenosis gives rise to dysphagia later. The possible presence of postoperative fistula does not contraindicate stricture dilation. In fact, the dilation of narrow anastomosis helps the closure of the fistula.