Outcomes of a combined antegrade and retrograde approach for dilatation of radiation-induced esophageal strictures (with video)

Esophageal introitus (with videos)

“…[3][4] Most benign strictures within the EI are amenable to endoscopic interventions. [25][26][27] In case of complete postradiation obstruction within the EI, combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopy (CARE) with pharyngoesophageal puncture (PEP) by using a stiff wire end, needle-knife, and biopsy forceps can be attempted. [25][26] For complex stenoses involving dysmotility, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended, with a team involving a GI endoscopist, speech pathologist, nutritionist, and, at times, a surgeon.…”

Endoscopic lumen restoration for obstructive aphagia: outcomes of a 25-year experience

“…During this period there were 19 reports (excluding abstracts) for a total of 102 successful lumen restorations out of 125 attempts in 111 patients. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Sixty-five of 102 patients with available oral intake data reported restoration of the ability to swallow soft to regular consistency foods.…”

Combined antegrade and retrograde approach for dilation of radiation-induced esophageal strictures can be accomplished by a single endoscopist

“…1 We also read with interest their experience in performing 2 similar procedures as well as their description of accomplishing the rendezvous technique with a single endoscopist. Their success begs the question of whether it can still be called a "rendezvous" if you are only meeting yourself!…”

“…The article by Dellon et al, 1 describing combined antegrade and retrograde endoscopic dilation of radiationinduced esophageal strictures, is intriguing. At our institution, the combined endoscopic approach as described by Dellon et al 1 has been accomplished safely by a single endoscopist.…”

“…1 Each procedure was performed in an operating room suite with the patient under general anesthesia. In the initial procedure, pediatric biopsy forceps was used to puncture the esophageal web/stricture; in the other procedure, a 5F needle-knife was used.…”