Management and clinical outcomes of congenital esophageal stenosis in pediatric patients: Experience of a tertiary referral center
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In brief
In brief
Retrospective study of 19 pediatric CES patients demonstrates that conservative esophageal balloon dilatation (median 5 sessions over 7.5 months) achieved symptom resolution in 89% of cases. Three patients required surgical intervention after failed or inadequate dilatation response, supporting a step-up treatment approach.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Purpose
: This study aimed to retrospectively investigate congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) cases managed at our institution using a non-aggressive strategy based on a step-up approach from esophageal balloon dilatations to surgery.
Methods
: Patients' charts with CES managed in a tertiary pediatric surgery department were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic characteristics, clinical features, pH-monitoring, imaging, and esophagoscopy results were recorded together with their treatments and outcomes.
Results
: Nineteen patients, confirmed with radiologic and endoscopic investigations, were managed. Complete symptom resolution was achieved in 14 patients by a median of five (2–15) recurrent esophageal balloon dilatations lasting for 7.5 (2–108) months. Two more patients, after 7 and 15 dilatations, had mild dysphagia, not interfering with their daily living. One patient, in whom the initial dilatation attempt with 3 atm was unsuccessful, and two patients with persistent symptoms and growth retardation despite ongoing dilatation treatment, underwent surgery. After 48 (12–132) months of follow-up, 17 patients were symptom-free.
Conclusion
: Conservative treatment with esophageal balloon dilatations is an efficient and reliable modality that can be used as a first-line treatment in CES. Surgical treatment option should be used when dilatation attempt is unsuccessful, or symptoms and growth retardation persist despite dilatation treatment.