Abbas Khan, Hashmatullah Khan, Muhammad Kamran Hassan, Aamir Ghafoor Khan, Naimatullah Khan, Ahmad Nawaz, Zaffar Saifullah.
Outcome of through-the scope (TTS) balloon dilatation for benign esophageal strictures.
J Med Sci Jan ;20(4):198-202.

Objective: To know the outcome of through-the-scope (TTS) balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures. Material and Methods: This prospective study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Department, Government Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from January 2011 to June 2012. Patients with dysphagia due to benign esophageal strictures like peptic, caustic rings and webs underwent through-the-scope (TTS) balloon dilatation after an informed consent. Pre and post dilatation dysphagia grade was determined according to Atkinson’s score and were compared. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 25 cases of benign esophageal strictures were included in the study with a male to female ratio of 1.5:1. Mean age was 20±15 years while mean dysphagia grade before dilatation was 3.4. Most of the strictures were of peptic nature (52%). Only 4 patients (16%) have corrosive strictures. Strictures at the previous gastroesophageal anastomosis were seen in 4 patients (16%). Benign webs & rings were the cause of dysphagia in 2(8%) patients while postradiotherapy strictures were noted in 2 patients. Overall successful dilatation to a luminal size of 15mm was achieved in 88% of patients while dilatation remained unsuccessful in 2 patients. Mean dysphagia score in successfully dilated patients was 1.07 (p<0.05). Perforation occurred in one patient (4%). No patient had upper GI bleed. Conclusion: Endoscopic through the scope balloon dilation is a safe, effective and easy therapy for the management of esophageal strictures.

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