Open AccessSavary Dilation Is Safe and Effective Treatment for Esophageal Narrowing Related to Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Author(s) -
AlHussaini Abdulrahman
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001247
Subject(s) - medicine , eosinophilic esophagitis , dilator , esophagus , esophageal stricture , dysphagia , perforation , esophageal dilatation , esophagitis , esophageal sphincter , caliber , upper gastrointestinal series , dilation (metric space) , surgery , gastroenterology , reflux , stomach , disease , materials science , punching , metallurgy , mathematics , combinatorics
Objectives: Data on management of esophageal narrowing related to eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children are scanty. The aim of the present study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of esophageal dilation in pediatric EoE from the largest case series to date. Methods: Children diagnosed with EoE during 2004 to 2015 were reviewed for the presence of esophageal narrowing. Esophageal narrowing was categorized as short segment narrow caliber, long segment narrow caliber, and single short stricture. The characteristics of the narrowed esophagus, therapeutic approach, clinical outcome, and complications were reviewed. Results: Of the 50 EoE cases diagnosed during the study period, 11 cases (9 boys; median age 9 years, range 4–12) were identified with esophageal narrowing (22%). Six had short segment narrow caliber esophagus and 5 had long segment narrow caliber esophagus (median length of the narrowing was 4 cm, range 3–20 cm). Three cases with narrow caliber esophagus also had esophageal stricture 2 to 3 cm below the upper esophageal sphincter. Nineteen dilation sessions were performed in 10 cases using Savary dilator. Esophageal size improved from median 7 mm to median 13.4 mm. Good response was obtained in all cases. Following the dilation procedure, longitudinal esophageal mucosal tear occurred in all cases without esophageal perforation or chest pain. Conclusions: Esophageal dilation using Savary dilator is safe and highly effective in the management of esophageal narrowing related to EoE in children. Dilation alone does not improve the inflammatory process, and hence a combination with dietary or medical intervention is required.