title: Balloon dilatation of upper gastrointestinal tract strictures.
abstract: Balloon dilatation has been performed in a series of 30 patients with strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract over a period of 28 months. The technique of balloon dilatation is described and the results of follow-up are presented. Sixty per cent of patients have remained symptom-free following balloon dilatation. Twenty-seven per cent of patients have undergone regular repeated dilatations when symptoms have recurred. There were no complications from the technique. Balloon dilatation is a safe and acceptable alternative to conventional methods of bougienage in the management of upper gastrointestinal tract strictures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, St George's Hospital and Medical School, London.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grundy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Belli
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy; D002404:Catheterization; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000628:therapy; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage; D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000628:therapy; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged