Endoscopic balloon dilatation for benign esophageal stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal neoplasms.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) for benign esophageal strictures after ESD for early esophageal neoplasms.

Methods: Data of 335 patients who were treated with ESD for early esophageal neoplasms from October 2006 to August 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of the patients who underwent EBD for post-ESD stricture were analyzed.

Results: A total of 117 dilatation procedures were performed in 29 patients with post-ESD esophageal stricture. The mean number of EBD sessions was 4.0 (range 1-15) and no complications occurred during the procedures. The median follow-up period for the 29 patients since their last session of EBD was 20 months (range 1-48 months). Of the 28 patients who were followed up for more than 3 months after achieving dysphagia relief, two had recurrent dysphasia and EBD was reintroduced. The treatment success rate was 92.9% (26/28).

Conclusion: EBD is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of benign esophageal stricture after ESD for early esophageal neoplasms.