ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: We present a novel approach to the treatment of membranous duodenal stenosis (MDS). To our knowledge this is the first paper to describe balloon dilatation for this entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four children, 2 boys and 2 girls, aged between 8 and 28 days, underwent duodenal balloon dilatation. Balloon dilatation was performed under general anaesthesia using standard angiography balloons per os. Balloon diameters ranged from 6 to 14 mm. RESULTS: All balloon dilatations were successful. None of the procedures showed procedural or post-procedural complications. None of the patients subsequently required surgical intervention. To date all children are doing well. DISCUSSION: The initial experience with balloon dilation of MDS showed a 100% success rate, without procedural or post-procedural complications. The results obtained in this small group of patients suggest that the use of balloon dilatation in cases of MDS may be a safe technique that can be readily performed by an experienced interventional radiologist.