[Benign esophageal strictures in toddlers and pre-school children. Results of endoscopic dilation].
BACKGROUND
The most frequent causes of dysphagia in children are benign strictures and therefore require special consideration.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate safety and efficacy of endoscopic dilation in children with benign esophageal strictures. MATERIAL-METHODS-RESULTS: Twenty four consecutive children of 1.5 to 5.5 years (mean 3.5), with benign esophageal strictures were evaluated in a prospective manner over a 3-year period. The most frequent causes of esophageal stricture were caustic ingestion (Group A) and in Group B were included other benign strictures. Dilation was done on a weekly base using Savary-Gilliard bougies and was considered adequate, if the esophageal lumen could be dilated to 11 mm with complete relief of dysphagia. Of the 24 patients, 16 had corrosive strictures, 6 complications of gastroesophageal reflux and 2 post surgical strictures. Group A required a significantly higher number of session (14.3 +/- 10.84 vs 7.0 +/- 2.94 p: > 0.05), less free-time dysphagia (1.1 +/- 0.39 vs 2.6 +/- 0.95 months p: < 0.01) and a higher number of recurrences (3.12 +/- 1.12 vs 1.25 +/- 0.95 p: < 0.01). Two esophageal perforations occurred during a total of 292 dilation sessions (0.68%). There was one fatality.


CONCLUSIONS
Benign esophageal strictures in children can be treated effectively and with acceptable safety by means of endoscopic dilation.
Güitrón
A
A
Departamento de Endoscopia Digestiva, Hospital de Especialidades No 71, Centro Médico Nacional, Torreón, Coahuila.
Adalid
R
R
Nares
J
J
Mena
G
G
Gutiérrez
J A
JA
Olivares
C
C
D002675:Child, Preschool; D004106:Dilatation; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male