Balloon catheter dilation of esophageal caustic ingestion stenosis in children

Objective: To evaluate the methods and effect of balloon catheter dilation of esophageal caustic ingestion stenosis in children. Methods: The authors analysed 18 cases, including 10 cases of esophageal stenosis due to ingestion of sulphuric acid, 7 cases of esophageal stenosis caused by ingestion of sodium carbonate and the last one through ingestion of chemical materials include zinc sulphate. Barium esophagogram was taken before dilation for every patient and the balloon size varied from 4 mm x 40 mm to 16 mm x 40 mm or 20 mm x 40 mm in diameter was selected for the procedure. Results: 18 cases were all successful in dilation by balloon catheter, without esophageal perforation and other complications. The satisfactory results maintained from six months to thirty months with remarkable improvement clinically. Conclusions: Balloon catheter dilation is a simple, safe and reliable method for the treatment of esophageal caustic ingestion stenosis in children, and should be recommended as the first choice. (authors)