Balloon dilation of rectal strictures.

Twelve strictures subsequent to colorectal (11) or ileorectal (1) anastomosis were treated with balloon dilation. Six of the anastomoses were located within 10 cm from the anal verge. The stricture diameter was 3-12 mm. The time from operation to finding of stricture was 6 +/- 4 (range 2-17) months and the post-dilation observation time was 9 +/- 7 (1-24) months. Relief of symptoms was obtained in ten patients, in six of them after only one dilation. Treatment is being continued in one of the other two cases, and one was classified as failure after five dilation attempts. Most dilations were performed in the out-patient department under light sedation. There were no complications. Balloon dilation of rectal stricture is well tolerated as an out-patient procedure. It is safe and can give a satisfactory result in most cases of benign stricture.