Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing ballon dilation for benign pyloric stenoses.

Background And Study Aims: Balloon dilation is a useful alternative to surgery in patients with benign pyloric stenoses. However, little data are available on the long-term outcome of the procedure.

Patients And Methods: Fourteen patients with benign pyloric stenoses were treated by through-the-scope balloon dilation. Short-term and long-term follow-up was conducted (median 27 months).

Results: Balloon dilation was successfully performed in 12 patients (86%), and all 12 had immediate relief of symptoms after a single session. During a median follow-up of 27 months, 50% of the patients had recurrences of their symptoms, requiring redilation. Following this, two patients became symptomatic once again; one underwent surgery, and the other received a further session of balloon dilation, and was well at a further follow-up after one year.

Conclusions: Balloon dilation of benign pyloric stenoses results in short-term symptomatic relief in the majority of patients. However, in the long-run, about half of the patients can be expected to experience a recurrence of symptoms, requiring further endoscopic or surgical treatment.