Efficiency and Safety of Bougie Esophageal Strictures Dilation in Children’s University Hospital in Damascus

Abstract

Background and Objective: Benign esophageal strictures are the most common cause of esophageal strictures ES in children.The endoscopic dilation with ballon or bougie  is the main and classic treatment  of these strictures. This study is aimed to reviewing the causes of ES, efficacy and safety of endoscopic bougie dilations in children with esophageal strictures.

Materials and Methods: This  retrospective single center study, we  retrospectively reviewed all medical records of children with ES treated by bougie dilation in Endoscopy Unit in Children’s University Hospital in Damascus  in four years 2017- 2018- 1019- 2020. The procedure success rate, and  complications were assessed. Response to treatment was evaluated based on clinical relieve of symptoms, period and number of endoscopic dilations.

Results: Eighty children were found to have symptomatic esophageal strictures and had bougie esophageal dilation. The mean age was 4,2 years (1-13 years)

Forty four patients (55%) were males. Savary-Gilliard bougienages were the dilators used in dilation. Corrosive stricture was the most common cause of esophageal strictures and was found in 40 patients (50%), peptic in 30 patients (37,5%), anastomotic in 7 patients ( 8,75%) and achalasia in 3 patients (3,75%).

The procedure success rate was 87,5%. Complete response to dilation was found in 38 patients (47,5%), satisfactory response was found in 32 patients (40%), while failed was found in 10 patients (12,5%).

No perforation or mortality was reported.

Conclusions: Bougie esophageal dilation in children is a safe procedure with a high rate of success. If this procedure is performed by an expert using appropriate bougie size, no important complications will be created.

Keywords: esophagus, stricture, bougie, dilation, children.