Treating Early Delayed Gastric Tube Emptying after Esophagectomy with Pneumatic Pyloric Dilation

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Endoscopic pneumatic pyloric balloon dilation is a treatment option for early postoperative delayed gastric tube emptying following esophageal resection. This study aimed to determine the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic balloon dilation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Between 2015 and 2018, patients with delayed gastric emptying 8–10 days after esophageal resection with gastric tube reconstruction due to esophageal carcinoma were considered for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were ≥1 of the following: nasogastric tube production ≥500 mL/24 h, ≥300 mL gastric retention, ≥50% gastric tube dilatation on X-ray, or nasogastric tube replacement. Patients were excluded on evidence of anastomotic leakage or reintervention. Success was defined as the ability to expand intake without needing to replace the nasogastric tube. Dilation was performed using a 30-mm Rigiflex balloon. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fifteen patients underwent pyloric dilation, 12 according to the study protocol. Treatment was performed at a median of 12 days (IQR 9–15) postoperatively. Success was achieved in 58%. At 3 months, 8 patients progressed to exclusively oral intake. The remaining 4 patients had supplementary nightly enteral tube feeding. There were no adverse events. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Endoscopic balloon dilation of the pylorus is a safe, feasible therapy for early postoperative delayed gastric emptying. With a success rate of 58%, a clinical trial is a necessary next step.

Stent Flange-Induced Esophageal Stricture Treated with an Oral Steroid

Esophageal stent complications include stent migration, tumor ingrowth, perforation, a broncho-esophageal fistula, and gastroesophageal reflux. Development of a new stricture at a flange site after stent removal has been predicted but not yet reported. We experienced the first case of a recurrent esophageal stricture induced by a stent flange after stent removal. A fully covered metallic stent, which had been inserted 2 months ago for treatment of an anastomotic stricture, triggered another stricture at the flange site. Although endoscopic balloon dilatations were repeated several times and then the 2nd stent for rescue therapy was inserted, the stricture was refractory to all treatment. Thus, we prescribed oral prednisolone with repeated endoscopic balloon dilation; the stricture eventually improved. The oral steroid seemed to suppress stricture development. If a stent flange-induced refractory stricture is encountered, an oral steroid combined with endoscopic balloon dilation may be helpful.

Crohn's Disease Obstructions

Obstruction from stricturing Crohn's disease remains one of the most common reasons for intervention. Acute inflammation is often responsive to medications, but chronic fibrosis is unlikely to respond and will generally go on to require additional treatment. Newer methods, such as endoscopic balloon dilation, are gaining grounds in strictures that are amenable, but with high recurrence and strictures that may not be endoscopically accessible, surgery still plays a key role in the treatment of obstructing Crohn's disease.