Complications of endoscopic gastrointestinal dilation techniques.

Endoscopic dilations are infrequently attended by complications. Despite the acceleration in dilation rate for benign strictures that seems to have accompanied the introduction of balloon dilators, perforations in such situations remain uncommon. Perforation is more likely with malignant esophageal strictures and possibly with caustic strictures. The outcome of perforation, when it does occur, is more severe with malignant strictures and possibly with radiation-related strictures. Bacteremia-related complications are important not because of their frequency but because of their potential severity and insidious presentation. The endoscopy-assisted dilation techniques when applied throughout the gastrointestinal tract compare favorably with other dilation methods from the standpoint of complications. The additional advantages of endoscopy rather than differences in complication rates factor into the overall efficacy of these dilation techniques.