Abstract
Endoscopic microwave coagulation therapy (EMCT) was applied to 25 patients of postoperative anastomotic stenosis (14 cases of gastric cancer, 8 of esophageal cancer, 2 of esophageal varices and one of rectal cancer). Clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings were improved by EMCT in all cases without any significant complications. The sufficient effect was obtained in 19 cases (76.0%) after only one EMCT, but more than two sessions of EMCT were needed in 6 cases (24.0%). On the other hand, these anastomotic stenoses were classified into two groups. One was membraneous and another was non-membraneous. N on-membraneous types needed more times of EMCT (2.1 on the average) than membraneous types (1.1 on the average). Re-stenosis occured in only 3 cases among 8 of postoperative stenosis of esophagogastrostomy. It was considered that the re-stenoses were influenced by reflux esophagitis. It is concluded that endoscopic microwave coagulation therapy is a safe and sure method for the treatment of anastomotic stenosis after gastrointestinal operation.
