Through-the-scope balloon dilatation of benign pyloric stenoses.

In 9 patients with benign pyloric stenosis, the stenosis was dilated using through-the-scope (TTS) balloon catheters (diameter 1.5 to 1.8 cm), which can be passed through the biopsy channel of a standard fiberscope under direct vision. In all cases, the stenosis was secondary to fibrous changes in peptic ulcer disease. In addition, all patients had active ulcers. All dilatation treatments were primarily successful: the stenoses were opened for the passage of the fiberscope. There were no complications; even with active ulcers there were no side effects. The treatment was followed by immediate symptomatic relief. On prospective evaluation over a period of 7 months (mean), 6 patients remained asymptomatic, 2 patients had to be dilated again for restenosis and have since been asymptomatic for 1 and 12 months, respectively. One patient had to undergo surgery after 7 months for ulcer perforation into the common bile duct. The TTS technique has considerable advantages over the methods requiring a guide wire. This technique with its easy practicability and low incidence of complications may become a valid alternative to surgical procedures if the good initial results can be confirmed in further studies.