Management and clinical outcomes of congenital esophageal stenosis in pediatric patients: Experience of a tertiary referral center
Topic overview
Retrospective study of 19 pediatric patients with congenital esophageal stenosis treated using a conservative step-up approach. Esophageal balloon dilatation achieved symptom resolution in 89% of cases, with surgery reserved for treatment failures or persistent growth retardation.
Key takeaways
- Conservative esophageal balloon dilatation achieved complete symptom resolution in 74% (14/19) of pediatric CES patients after median 5 sessions.
- Step-up approach: reserve surgery for failed initial dilatation, persistent symptoms, or growth retardation despite ongoing dilatation therapy.
- Median treatment duration of 7.5 months with balloon dilatations; 89% (17/19) symptom-free at long-term follow-up (median 48 months).
- Esophageal balloon dilatation is safe and effective as first-line CES treatment, avoiding surgery in most pediatric patients.
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