Safe and effective treatment of colorectal anastomotic stricture using a well-defined balloon dilation protocol.

Abstract Purpose To present a well-defined protocol for balloon dilation for colorectal anastomotic strictures and evaluate clinical efficacy of the dilation in 42 patients. Materials and Methods From October 1999 to June 2010, 42 patients (32 males and 10 females with mean age 52.1 years ± 16.3) with surgical colorectal anastomotic strictures who received transanal balloon dilation using a well-defined protocol were retrospectively investigated. After the procedure, a water-soluble contrast media study was performed to detect possible complications. Stricture diameter was measured 1 month after balloon dilation. Clinical outcomes and recurrence were evaluated with a median follow-up period of 63.7 months. Results There were 47 dilation sessions performed in 42 patients. Technical success and clinical success were achieved in all patients. At long-term follow-up, 36 (85.7%) patients had complete improvement. No complications were observed in any patients. Stricture diameter 1 month after the procedure was 8.85 cm ± 3.23, which was a significant increase over stricture diameter before the procedure of 5.89 cm ± 2.64 ( P P = .036). Conclusions Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation using the protocol described is safe and clinically effective for treatment of colorectal anastomotic stricture.