The findings influencing restenosis in esophageal anastomotic stricture after endoscopic balloon dilation: restenosis in esophageal anastomotic stricture.

Between 1998 and 2007, eligible 24 of 72 patients undergoing endoscopic balloon dilation for esophageal anastomotic stricture were reviewed. The findings influencing the repeated balloon dilation for restenosis were evaluated during 12 months of follow-up. About 83.3% (10/12) of cases required repeated dilation within 4 months. A duration of <90 days from surgery to initial intervention and a diameter of the stricture of <13 mm after initial intervention were independent clinical findings for repeated dilation. The probability of remaining free of repeated balloon dilatation were higher with an interval of >or=90 days than with that of <90 days. The patients with a diameter of <13 mm were more likely to need repeated dilation than that of >or=13 mm. The patients undergoing the balloon dilation <90 days from surgery require careful observation for restenosis. Postdilator diameter beyond 13 mm would be needed to avoid restenosis.