Esophageal strictures in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: an 11-year experience with fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation.

Background: Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is an inherited blistering skin disorder that is associated with significant esophageal strictures, resulting in dysphagia and nutritional failure. Although endoscopically guided balloon dilatation is a widely used treatment, the use of an endoscope carries the risk of oropharyngeal trauma. To minimize this risk, we have eliminated its use.