title: The effect of dilatation in the treatment of benign oesophageal strictures.
abstract: Twenty-five years experience with dilatation as the only method of treatment of benign oesophageal strictures is presented. The incidence of complications and mortality rate are equal to those involved in extensive surgery, whereas the frequency of cure is substantially lower. We find bouginage indicated in elderly and debilitated patients, but this form of treatment as the sole measure should be avoided in the younger age groups thereby saving them from repeated hospitalization.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004106:Dilatation; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011183:Postoperative Complications