Management of Colorectal Anastomotic Strictures Using Multidiameter Balloon Dilation

after colorectal anastomoses is not rare, occurring in 3-30% of post colorectal anastomosis, according to authors’ varied definitions, and is considered to be related to factors including radiation, anastomotic ischemia or leakage, and suture technique. Most involve the middle and lower rectum and may spontaneously improve without treatment; however, some strictures persist, necessitating intervention using procedures such as endoscopeor fluoroscopeguided dilation or stenting, re-anastomosis, transanal stricturoplasty and electrocautery resection, or incision, with or without dilation. The first successful trial of balloon dilation of an upper gastrointestinal tract stricture was performed in the 1980s, and the same procedure was subsequently used to treat strictures of the lower gastrointestinal tract. Balloon dilation of strictures of the gastrointestinal tract has been shown to be a convenient and effective method of treatment for most patients, though repeated J Soc Colon Rectal Surgeon (Taiwan) September 2009