Endoscopic dilation of benign colorectal anastomotic stricture after low anterior resection: a prospective comparison study of two balloon types

Background Benign strictures arise in 5.8% to 20% of colorectal anastomoses. For such strictures, endoscopic dilation has proven to be a valid and safe treatment. A variety of endoscopic techniques have been proposed, but controlled prospective trials are lacking. This study compared dilation of this colorectal anastomotic stricture with an over-the-wire balloon designed for treatment of achalasia and with a through-the-scope balloon. Methods Thirty patients with symptoms caused by benign colorectal anastomotic stricture were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: 15 underwent dilation with a through-the-scope balloon and 15 had dilation with an over-the-wire balloon. Success was defined as an anastomotic lumen wide enough to allow passage of a standard 13-mm-diameter colonoscope, with resolution of symptoms. The success of dilation, the number of sessions required, the complications, and the duration of the dilation were recorded. Patients were followed for 24 months. Results Dilation was successful in all patients, with no procedure-related complication. The mean number of sessions required was 2.6 (0.98) in the through-the-scope group and 1.6 (0.77) in the over-the-wire group ( p =0.009). The duration of response in days was greater in the over-the-wire group vs. the through-the-scope group, 560.8 (248.5) days vs. 294.2 (149.3) days, respectively, p =0.016. Conclusions Through-the-scope and over-the-wire dilation techniques are both effective and safe for treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures. Using a greater diameter over-the-wire pneumatic balloon reduces the number of dilation sessions required and provides a longer-lasting response to dilation.