Endoscopic Dilation of Esophageal Benign Strictures

Abstract

The mainstay of treatment for benign esophageal strictures is dilation. Although dilation usually results in symptomatic relief, recurrent strictures do occur. To predict the types of stricture most likely to recur, it is important to differentiate between simple esophageal strictures and those that are more complex. Common etiologies of simple stricture include peptic injury (60–70% of cases) or a Schatzki’s ring or web [1]. The most common causes of complex stricture include caustic ingestion, radiation injury, anastomotic stricture, photodynamic therapy-related stricture, and severe peptic injury [1]. Recently, stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is increasing. Esophageal strictures occur in about 6% of all patients but in almost 20% of patients who have resection of >75% of the circumference [2, 3]. In this chapter, we will discuss the indications, instruments, techniques, and complications of dilation for esophageal benign strictures.