Management of complete esophageal stricture after treatment of head and neck cancer using combined anterograde retrograde esophageal dilation.

BACKGROUND Complete esophageal stricture is a difficult problem to manage. There is limited literature to support clinical decision-making. To evaluate outcomes and efficacy, we performed a retrospective medical chart review of patients who received combined anterograde retrograde esophageal dilation (CARD) between 2002 and 2009 at our institution. METHODS Fifteen patients were identified who developed a stricture requiring CARD after treatment for head and neck cancers. Outcomes were pretreatment and posttreatment diet, gastrostomy tube status, and operative complications. RESULTS Six of 15 patients were gastrostomy tube-free at last follow-up and 11 of 15 patients were taking oral nutrition. There were 4 complications. One patient died. Two gastrostomy tube site complications occurred. One patient sustained a dental injury. CONCLUSION CARD offers benefit to most patients. Despite risks associated with the procedure, CARD should be considered by the clinician and patient in management of complete esophageal stricture.