Safety and Efficacy of Serial Endoscopic Dilatation for Benign Esophageal Strictures

Abstract

Background: Benign esophageal strictures cause significant morbidity due to progressive dysphagia and impaired quality of life. Serial endoscopic dilatation is the standard treatment; however, recurrence and procedure-related complications remain concerns. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of serial endoscopic dilatation in patients with benign esophageal strictures.

Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted at Ayub Teaching hospital involving 80 adult patients with confirmed benign esophageal strictures. Patients underwent serial endoscopic dilatation using balloon or bougie techniques. Demographic characteristics, stricture etiology, number of sessions, dysphagia improvement, treatment success, and complications were assessed.

Results: The mean age was 44.8 ± 15.6 years, with males comprising 53.8% of participants. Corrosive injury (36.3%) was the most common etiology, followed by peptic strictures (31.3%). Technical success was achieved in 97.5% of patients, while clinical success was observed in 92.5%. The mean number of dilatation sessions was 3.1 ± 1.2. Dysphagia scores significantly improved after treatment (3.3 ± 0.6 vs. 1.1 ± 0.7; p<0.001). Complications were uncommon, including chest pain (12.5%), mucosal tears (6.3%), minor bleeding (2.5%), and perforation (1.3%).

Conclusion: Serial endoscopic dilatation is a safe and effective treatment for benign esophageal strictures, providing significant symptomatic improvement with a low complication rate.