BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic dilatation is the standard therapy for postoperative colorectal anastomotic strictures, although it carries the risk of perforation at the weakest part of the anastomosis. In order to minimize this risk we have developed a combined technique of endoscopic electroincision and hydraulic balloon dilatation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six symptomatic patients with benign colorectal anastomotic strictures were referred for endoscopic electroincision with consecutive balloon dilatation, if the diameter of the anastomosis was less than 12 mm (n = 15) or if the diameter was less than 20 mm and the patient complained of repeated obstructive symptoms under conservative therapy (n = 21). Under direct endoscopic control the scar tissue at the anastomotic line was incised radially with the tip of the polypectomy snare or with a papillotome. Endoscopic hydraulic balloon dilatation was then performed, using a pressure of 35 PSI for three minutes. An endoscopic or radiological control was carried out on the second day, and balloon dilatation was repeated if necessary. RESULTS: The combined technique of electroincision and consecutive balloon dilatation was performed successfully in 35 patients. In only one patient this therapy could not be performed, because of a long stenotic segment, and surgery was necessary. In 24 patients one single dilatation was sufficient after electroincision, whereas six patients required two, and five patients required three consecutive balloon dilatations. There were no severe complications such as bleeding or perforation. Complete follow-up evaluation was possible in 25 patients. In five cases recurrences appeared within the first year; all could be treated successfully by further balloon dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of endoscopic electroincision and hydraulic balloon dilatation leads to a high long-term clinical success with a minimum of complications. Therefore, in our opinion it is a useful method in the treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures.
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic dilatation is the standard therapy for postoperative colorectal anastomotic strictures, although it carries the risk of perforation at the weakest part of the anastomosis. In order to minimize this risk we have developed a combined technique of endoscopic electroincision and hydraulic balloon dilatation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six symptomatic patients with benign colorectal anastomotic strictures were referred for endoscopic electroincision with consecutive balloon dilatation, if the diameter of the anastomosis was less than 12 mm (n = 15) or if the diameter was less than 20 mm and the patient complained of repeated obstructive symptoms under conservative therapy (n = 21). Under direct endoscopic control the scar tissue at the anastomotic line was incised radially with the tip of the polypectomy snare or with a papillotome. Endoscopic hydraulic balloon dilatation was then performed, using a pressure of 35 PSI for three minutes. An endoscopic or radiological control was carried out on the second day, and balloon dilatation was repeated if necessary. RESULTS: The combined technique of electroincision and consecutive balloon dilatation was performed successfully in 35 patients. In only one patient this therapy could not be performed, because of a long stenotic segment, and surgery was necessary. In 24 patients one single dilatation was sufficient after electroincision, whereas six patients required two, and five patients required three consecutive balloon dilatations. There were no severe complications such as bleeding or perforation. Complete follow-up evaluation was possible in 25 patients. In five cases recurrences appeared within the first year; all could be treated successfully by further balloon dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of endoscopic electroincision and hydraulic balloon dilatation leads to a high long-term clinical success with a minimum of complications. Therefore, in our opinion it is a useful method in the treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures.