Outcomes of oesophageal self-dilation for patients with refractory benign oesophageal strictures.

BACKGROUND: Current management of refractory benign oesophageal strictures with endoscopic dilations and stenting leads to resolution of dysphagia in only 30% of patients. Oesophageal self-dilation may be an alternative. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oesophageal self-dilation at a tertiary referral centre. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with refractory benign oesophageal strictures who participated in oesophageal self-dilation at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA) between 2003 and 2017. Clinical data including stricture characteristics, Dakkak and Bennett Dysphagia Score, number and dates of endoscopies, and complications were collected. A two-tailed paired Student's t test was used to compare the measures of efficacy, with differences considered significant at a 5% probability level. RESULTS: We identified 52 patients with refractory strictures treated with self-dilation. The median number of endoscopic interventions was reduced from 9.5 (range 5-30) to 0 (range 0-3) within 12 months before and after self-dilation, respectively (P < 0.0001). A median intervention-free interval of 417 days (IQR 256-756 days) was observed. The mean dysphagia score at baseline was 2.5 (95% CI 2.2-2.8) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.11-0.53) after self-dilation. 23 of 27 (85%) patients who received enteral nutrition prior to self-dilation had their feeding tubes removed. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal self-dilation is an effective way of maintaining oesophageal patency in refractory benign oesophageal strictures, with safety comparable to current standard of care. Prospective studies are needed to further validate the role of self-dilation in treatment of refractory benign oesophageal strictures.

The effect of pneumatic dilation in management of postfundoplication dysphagia.

BACKGROUND: Fundoplication surgery is a commonly performed procedure for gastro-esophageal reflux disease or hiatal hernia repair. Up to 10% of patients develop persistent postoperative dysphagia after surgery. Data on the effectiveness of pneumatic dilation for treatment are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and identify clinical factors associated with successful response to pneumatic dilation among patients with persistent postfundoplication dysphagia (PPFD). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had undergone pneumatic dilation for PPFD between 1999 and 2016. Patients with dysphagia or achalasia prior to fundoplication were excluded. Demographic information, surgical history, severity of dysphagia, and clinical outcomes were collected. Data pertaining to esophagram, manometry, endoscopy, and pneumatic dilation were also collected. RESULTS: We identified 38 patients (82% female, 95% Caucasian, and median age 59 years) with PPFD who completed pneumatic dilation. The median postfundoplication dysphagia score was 2. Eleven patients had abnormal peristalsis on manometry. Seventeen patients reported response (seven complete) with an average decrease of 1 in their dysphagia score. Fifteen patients underwent reoperation due to PPFD. Hiatal hernia repair was the only factor that predicts a higher response rate to pneumatic dilation. Only one patient in our study developed complication (pneumoperitoneum) from pneumatic dilation. CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: We found that pneumatic dilation to be a safe treatment option for PPFD with moderate efficacy. Patients who developed PPFD after a hiatal hernia repair may gain the greatest benefit after pneumatic dilation. We were not able to identify additional clinical, radiological, endoscopic, or manometric parameters that were predictive of response.

Oesophageal lichen planus: the efficacy of topical steroid-based therapies.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal lichen planus is an idiopathic inflammatory disorder characterized by significant oesophageal stricturing. Oesophageal lichen planus is a rare, difficult to diagnose, and likely an under recognized disease. As a result, there is no standardized approach to therapy and treatment strategies vary. AIM: To examine the utility of topical steroid therapy (fluticasone or budesonide) in the management of oesophageal lichen planus. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients diagnosed with oesophageal lichen planus who underwent baseline and follow up endoscopy pre and post topical steroid therapy between 1995 and 2016 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN. Average time between upper GI endoscopy was 3.2 months (0.7-11.7). Swallowed steroid preparations included fluticasone 880 µg twice daily or budesonide 3 mg twice daily. Patients were reviewed for symptomatic response to therapy using the Dakkak-Bennett dysphagia score (0-4, no dysphagia to total aphagia). Pre- and post-endoscopic findings were assessed. Additional baseline demographic, endoscopic, and histologic data were also obtained. RESULTS: We identified 40 patients who met the inclusion criteria. A significant reduction in median dysphagia score from 1 (0-4) to 0 (0-3) after steroid therapy (P < 0.001) was noted. 62% of patients reported resolution of their dysphagia after receiving topical corticosteroids. 72.5% had an endoscopic response to steroid therapy. CONCLUSION: Topical swallowed budesonide or fluticasone appear to effective treatment for oesophageal lichen planus.