Comparative study of self-expandable stent placement, bougie dilation, and balloon dilation for post-inflammatory oesophageal strictures

Figure 1 Preoperative tests prior to balloon dilation of post-inflammatory oesophageal strictures in a 31-year-old man. A: The oesophagogram revealed a 2 cm stenosis in the lower esophagus; B: The endoscopic examination revealed an oesophageal stricture located 35 cm from the incisors, with an internal diameter of approximately 0.2 cm, making it impossible for the endoscope to pass through; C: Pathological examination confirmed the stenosis as post-inflammatory oesophageal stricture caused by oesophageal reflux.

Figure 2 Preoperative tests prior to stent placement for post-inflammatory oesophageal strictures in a 68-year-old man. A: The endoscopic examination revealed an oesophageal stricture 35 cm from the incisors, with food obstructing the esophagus and preventing endoscopic passage; B: The oesophagogram revealed a 4.7 cm severe stricture in the lower esophagus; C: The pathology showed chronic inflammation of oesophageal mucosa with ulcer and inflammatory granulation tissue hyperplasia.

Figure 3 Endoscopically guided balloon dilation of maleost-inflammatory oesophageal strictures. A: A guidewire was passing through the stricture; B: An 8 mm balloon was inserted for dilation, maintaining dilation for 2 minutes after the waist disappeared; C: The fluoroscopic view of balloon dilation procedure; D: The endoscopic view of the dilated lumen immediately after dilation, mild mucosal bleeding was observed around the stricture.

Figure 4 Fluoroscopically guided stenting procedure for the senile patient. A: A 20 mm × 120 mm oesophageal stent was introduced and inserted in the lower esophagus; B: The oesophagogram immediately after the procedure shows improved passage through the widened lumen of the lower esophagus; C: Restenosis was observed at the proximal end of the stent 2.5 months after stent placement; D: A second 20 mm × 100 mm oesophageal stent was implanted at the stricture site; E: The second stent migrated distally about 2 months after placement, leading to symptom recurrence; F: The two stents were successfully removed under fluoroscopy.