Endoscopic Treatment of Benign Esophageal Strictures with Removable or Biodegradable Stents

Experience with esophageal stents in the pediatric population has been limited because of the initial inability to remove these stents. The development of removable stents increased the potential indications for the use of stents in children. Esophageal dilatation with a removable stent has expanded the indications to congenital and acquired esophageal benign strictures. Although traditional pneumatic or bougie dilation remains recommended as first intention approach, stenting provides a continuous, radially oriented dilation pressure sustained over a prolonged period of time and may thus be more efficacious.