The danger of high compliance balloons for esophageal dilatation in achalasia.
High compliance balloons, commonly used for pneumatic dilatation of achalasia patients, theoretically subject the widened esophageal wall, proximal to the narrow zone, to increased pressure, and subsequently to a higher risk of perforation. The new type of inelastic cylindrically shaped balloons, such as the Gruntzig-type and Rigiflex Achalasia Dilator, seems to be safer, since it increases esophageal wall tension in the stenotic zone only. The purpose of this study was to present a pathophysiological consideration of this assumption, together with two cases which support it.
Rabinovici
R
R
Department of Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Katz
E
E
Goldin
E
E
Kluger
Y
Y
Ayalon
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D003187:Compliance; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000628:therapy*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male