Long-term results following conservative treatment of benign disorders of esophageal passage
Riemann, J.F.; Erlmeier, S.; Lux, G.
Leber Magen Darm 16(5): 259-266
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8622 PMID: 3784751 Document Number: 277962
Conservative therapy is well suited to the treatment of benign esophageal stenoses. Patients with achalasia, peptic stenoses, lye corrosion or cicatricial strictures can be successfully treated with the aid of bougienage or ballon dilatation. In order to study the long-term results of conservative therapy, a total of 121 patients with benign esophageal disorders were evaluated. A distinct improvement in the main symptoms dysphagia and vomiting was seen in patients with achalasia as well as in those with peptic stenoses. Seventy-five percent of both groups of patients reported freedom from symptoms or significant improvement of symptoms. Seventeen percent of both groups reported no change in the symptoms and 7-8% of the patients showed a distinct deterioration of symptoms. Considering the low complication rate of these treatment results, conservative therapy by means of balloon dilatation or bougienage should be the method of choice in the treatment of benign esophageal disorders.