Balloon dilatation of anastomotic intestinal stenoses: long-term results.

Since 1983 we have treated 59 consecutive patients with anastomotic intestinal strictures. In 43 cases the stenosis was located in the esophagus, and in 16 cases in the colon. The balloon catheter was positioned under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. The number of dilatations required by each patient ranged from one to five, with 47% of our patients receiving only one session, and 23% two sessions. We had no initial treatment failures. We observed stricture relapse in 10.1% of our cases, occurring within two to five months. In these patients repeat dilatation was 100% successful. We had no significant complications. All the patients with esophageal stricture were able to eat solid food after dilatation. Long-term results and relapse-free intervals have been assessed on a clinical basis with a mean follow-up of 26.5 months. Balloon dilatation would seem a safe and reliable method of treating anastomotic strictures, with special emphasis on stenosis with a small diameter, and tortuosity of the gut.