Effects of endoscopic balloon dilatation on treatment of benign stenosis of colorectal anastomosis: a retrospective study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) on treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic stenosis. Methods Data of 36 patients with benign colorectal anastomotic stenosis undergoing EBD at Zhongshan Hospital from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. The number of dilation, complications rate, short-term effects and recurrence rate of stenosis were analyzed. Results Thirty-six patients had post-surgery anastomotic stenosis within 2-49 months (median 6 months), including 10 (27.8%) patients of grade 1 stenosis, 15 (41.7%) of grade 2 stenosis, and 11 (30.5%) of grade 3 stenosis. The anastomotic distance from anus was 3-24 cm (median 6 cm). The 36 patients underwent 80 times of EBD with mean time of 2.22. Among them, 69.4% (25/36) cases received 1-2 times and 30.6% (11/36) received 3 times or more. During the EBD operation, 14 (17.5%) patients had minor bleeding, and intraoperative or postoperative perforation did not appeared. Postoperative obstructive symptoms were relieved in all patients. The anastomotic diameter was greater than 20 mm and EBD treatment was successful. Postoperative follow-up was 22-76 months (median 44 months). Four (11.1%) patients had recurrence of anastomotic benign stenosis at 7, 11, 18, and 63 months after the last time of EBD, respectively, and the symptoms were improved after the second treatment. Conclusion EBD is safe and effective in treating benign colorectal anastomotic stenosis, with better short-term and long-term outcomes. Key words: Colon; Rectum; Surgical stomas; Benign stenosis; Endoscopic balloon dilation