Treatment of a radiation-induced esophageal web with retrograde esophagoscopy and puncture.
OBJECTIVE
To present a technique for the treatment of complete esophageal stenosis in the post-radiation patient that may be applied to selected patients with obstructing stenoses.


METHODS
A case report of the treatment of a post-radiation esophageal web.


METHODS
A review of the patient's history of treatment and a discussion of reported treatment options.


RESULTS
A complete obstruction of the cervical esophagus was diagnosed in a patient after chemoradiation for a hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Retrograde esophagoscopy through the patient's percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube site aided visualization and perforation of the obstructing tissue. Subsequent dilation has allowed the patient to resume oral intake of a regular diet without restrictions.


CONCLUSIONS
Combined direct laryngoscopy with retrograde esophagoscopy represents a viable alternative to more extensive approaches for recannulization of selected obstructing esophageal stenoses.
Petro
Melanie
M
Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
Wein
Richard O
RO
Minocha
Anil
A
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications*