C Johansson1. 1. Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study was performed to prospectively evaluate results of endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures of the rectum. METHODS: Eighteen patients with symptoms of rectal strictures at endoscopy or barium enema were treated on 49 occasions with balloon dilation during sigmoidoscopy. RESULTS: Twelve patients were completely satisfied with relief of their symptoms after treatment. Two patients considered the results as poor, and four patients were not subject to follow-up evaluation. One patient had a perforation during the dilation procedure but was completely relieved at follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures in the rectum is a safe method. The method is simple and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The technique shows good results even in narrow strictures.
PURPOSE: This study was performed to prospectively evaluate results of endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures of the rectum. METHODS: Eighteen patients with symptoms of rectal strictures at endoscopy or barium enema were treated on 49 occasions with balloon dilation during sigmoidoscopy. RESULTS: Twelve patients were completely satisfied with relief of their symptoms after treatment. Two patients considered the results as poor, and four patients were not subject to follow-up evaluation. One patient had a perforation during the dilation procedure but was completely relieved at follow-up examination. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilation of strictures in the rectum is a safe method. The method is simple and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The technique shows good results even in narrow strictures.