What is Stricture Dilatation?
Stricture dilatation is an endoscopic procedure used to widen narrowed sections (strictures) in the digestive tract. This therapeutic technique helps restore normal passage for food and liquids through constricted areas of the gastrointestinal system.
Types of Strictures
- Benign strictures:
- Post-surgical
- Peptic
- Radiation-induced
- Caustic ingestion
- Malignant strictures:
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Dilatation Methods
- Balloon dilatation:
- Through-the-scope balloons
- Wire-guided balloons
- Controlled radial expansion
- Bougie dilatation:
- Savary-Gilliard dilators
- Maloney dilators
- American dilators
Procedure Steps
- Pre-procedure assessment
- Endoscopic evaluation of stricture
- Fluoroscopic guidance when needed
- Sequential dilation to target diameter
- Post-procedure monitoring
Post-Procedure Care
- Observation for complications
- Gradual diet advancement
- Pain management
- Follow-up scheduling
- Patient education about symptoms
Potential Complications
- Perforation
- Bleeding
- Chest pain
- Aspiration
- Infection
Success Rates
- Technical success: 80-95% for benign strictures
- Clinical improvement: 70-90% of cases
- Recurrence rate: 30-40% requiring repeat procedures