ENDOSCOPIC DILATATION WITH STEROID INJECTION FOR ANASTOMOTIC STRICTURE FOLLOWING ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract

A 72-year-old male who underwent subtotal esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy for esophageal carcinoma complained of severe dysphagia. Endoscopic examination revealed an anastomotic stricture with no recurrence of carcinoma, and balloon dilatation was immediately performed and repeated 4 times in 7 months because of its temporary effect. Following the 4th balloon dilatation, 4mg dexamethazone was endoscopically injected into the scar tissue, and no recurrent anastomotic stricture has been found thereafter. In conclusion, locally injected dexamethazone would be effective for prevention of recurrent anastomotic stricture following balloon dilatation.