Endoscopic incision of postoperative stenoses in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Membrane-like upper gastrointestinal stenoses, such as may occur after surgery, can be treated by making radial diathermy incisions, producing an increased caliber and a smooth, supple wall at the site of the stenosis. This method has been used in six patients with stenoses after various operations on the upper gastrointestinal tract, including two esophageal and two gastric anastomoses, one gastroplasty, and one pyloric stenosis. The result was favorable in all cases except the pyloric stenosis.