Poor functional performance following bidirectional dilatation of severe post radiation oesophageal stricture

Abstract

Conclusion: Bidirectional oesophageal dilatation for severe chemoradiation-induced oesophageal strictures is efficacious in improving luminal patency but ineffective in relieving functional dysphagia. Objective: To assess the efficacy of bidirectional oesophageal dilatation in the severely strictured oesophagus induced by radiation therapy following the treatment of head and neck malignancies. Methods: The study design was a case series in the setting of a tertiary cancer centre. We carried out a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent bidirectional oesophageal dilatation for oesophageal stricture secondary to radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies over a 5-year period. Th..