title: Balloon dilatation of anastomotic strictures secondary to surgical repair of oesophageal atresia.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of oesophageal balloon dilatation in strictures secondary to surgical treatment of oesophageal atresia in 25 children. Patients comprised 15 males and 10 females, aged 1-36 months. Median age was 4 months (interquartile range (IQR)=19). The strictures were more than 50% of oesophageal lumen and the delay from surgical treatment to balloon dilatation varied from 1 month to 36 months. Associated gastroesophageal reflux was noted in 15 patients. All procedures were performed under sedation using fluoroscopic guidance. Balloons of increasing diameter, 4-20 mm were used. Water soluble contrast swallow was performed after each dilatation session. A total of 115 balloon dilatation sessions were performed with a range of 1-14 procedures per patient (median 4 dilatations, IQR=4.5). Dilatation relieved the stricture in all patients over a follow-up period varying from 4 months to 33 months. The best results were noted in children under 6 months, who needed two or few dilatation sessions, with relative risk (RR) of 0.52 and 95% confidence interval of 0.29-0.92. The presence of associated gastroesophageal reflux indicated a high risk (RR of 12, p<0.001) for undergoing more than two balloon dilatation sessions. The only serious complications observed were two cases of oesophageal perforation, which were treated conservatively. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilatation is a safe and effective treatment in the management of strictures secondary to surgical repair of oesophageal atresia, especially when started early (within 6 months of surgery) and not associated with gastroesophageal reflux.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Imaging, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Said
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mekki
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Golli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Memmi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hafsa
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Braham
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belguith
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Letaief
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gahbiche
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nouri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ganouni
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000209:etiology; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome