The Celestin tube in the treatment of benign oesophageal strictures.

Celestin tubes have been used in two groups of patients with advanced benign oesophageal strictures. Group 1 consisted of 22 elderly, poor risk patients in whom intubation alone, via a gastrotomy, has provided good symptomatic relief of dysphagia. In 11 younger, better risk patients (group 2), it has been used as a temporary indwelling dilator in combination with repair of the hiatus hernia and has been removed at a mean of 5 months postoperatively. Seventy-three per cent of patients have remained free of recurrence when followed up for 2 years.