Predictors of successful endoscopic management of caustic esophageal strictures in children: When to stop the dilatations?

This retrospective study of 100 pediatric caustic esophageal stricture cases identifies key predictors of endoscopic dilatation success versus failure requiring esophageal replacement. Stricture length >3cm, pharyngeal extension, perforation, and GERD predict failure, while an 8-week dysphagia-free period within the first year predicts success in long strictures.