Endoscopic radial incision in patients with benign stricture of esophageal anastomosis

Objective To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of endoscopic radial incision(ERI) for benign stricture of esophageal anastomosis. Methods Clinical data of 17 patients with benign stricture of esophageal anastomosis undergoing ERI from October 2013 to September 2014 were retrospectively studied. Improvement of clinical symptom and treatment-related complication or discomfort were intensively analysed. Results All 17 patients successfully received ERI procedures, and the mean operating time was 10 minutes with a mean of 4 incisions. Obvious bleeding and mis-cut of normal mucosa occurred in 1 case, and this patient was cured by endoscopic hemostasis, gastrointestinal decompression and administration of antibiotics. Heartburn occurred in 5 patients and disappeared spontaneously without other complications or discomfort.Dysphagia score decreased from 3.11 to 0.90 in the second day after ERI(P 0.05). Conclusion ERI is simple, safe and effective for treating benign stricture of esophageal anastomosis. Key words: Surgical stomas; Esophageal stenosis; Endoscopic radial incision