Treatment of upper esophageal strictures.

A practical approach to the treatment of upper esophageal and hypopharyngeal strictures is presented. Traditional dilation techniques and instrumentation are reviewed. The size and shape of the stricture are related to the risks of using certain types and sizes of bougies. The adjunctive use of fluoroscopy, urethral dilators, and arteriography materials for esophageal dilation is discussed in light of the dilation treatment option.