Benign stricture of bilioenteric anastomosis after Whipple withsynthetic polypropylene suture

To the Editor:Biliary stricture formation at the bilioenteric anastomosis is an infrequent complication(2%-3%)after pancreaticoduodenectomy;the average presentation is within 13-14 months(range from 1 month to 9 years)after surgery[1,2].While the etiology is unknown,development of biliary stricture has shown to be more likely if a bile leak occurs in the postoperative period[3,4]and with younger patients[5].

Healing of Stoma After Magnetic Biliary-Enteric Anastomosis in Canine Peritonitis Models

Objective To assese the healing of stoma after magnetic anastomosis for the reconstruction of biliary-enteric continuity under severe inflammation. Methods Acute bile duct injury was constructed as a bile peritonitis model in mongrel dogs(n=32). Magnetic anastomosis(group A, n=16) and traditional suture anastomosis(group B, n=16) were performed to reconstruct the biliary-enteric continuity in one stage. Half of the dogs in each group were euthanized on the 30 th postoperative day, and the other half on the 90 th postoperative day to harvest the stoma region. The healing conditions of the stoma after the 2 anastomotic approaches were observed with naked eyes, under light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results The stoma leakage rate(50% versus 0% on the 30 th postoperative day, 37.5% versus 12.5% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.05) and stenosis degree(13.9%±0.3% versus 7.1%±0.3% on the 30 th postoperative day, 17.2%±0.4% versus 9.4%±0.4% on the 90 th postoperative day, both P<0.01) were significantly higher in group B than in group A. Compared with traditional manual anastomoses, the histological analysis under light and electron microscope showed a more continuous stoma with more regular epithelium proliferation and collagen arrangement, less inflammation in group A. Conclusions Magnetic anastomosis stent ensures better healing of the stoma even under the circumstance of severe inflammation.

Interesting rendezvous location in a liver transplantation patient with anastomosis stricture

An endoscopic or radiologic percutaneous approach may be an initial minimally invasive method for treating biliary strictures after living donor liver transplantation; however, cannulation of biliary strictures is sometimes difficult due to the presence of a sharp or twisted angle within the stricture or a complete stricture. When an angulated or twisted biliary stricture interrupts passage of a guidewire over the stricture, it is difficult to replace the percutaneous biliary drainage catheter with inside stents by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The rendezvous technique can be used to overcome this difficulty. In addition to the classical rendezvous method, in cases with complete transection of the common bile duct a modified technique involving the insertion of a snare into the subhepatic space has been successfully performed. Herein, we report a modified rendezvous technique in the duodenal bulb as an extraordinary location for a patient with duct-to-duct anastomotic complete stricture after liver transplantation.

Hand-sewn vs linearly stapled esophagogastric anastomosis for esophageal cancer:A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the outcomes of hand-sewn(HS) and linearly stapled(LS) esophagogastric anastomosis for esophageal cancer.METHODS: Before beginning this study, a rigorous protocol was established according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Databases and references were searched for all randomizedcontrolled trials and comparative clinical studies that compared LS with HS esophagogastric anastomosis for esophageal cancer. The primary outcomes compared were anastomotic leak and stricture. Subgroup analyses were performed according to site of anastomosis.RESULTS: Fifteen studies were used, comprising 3203 patients(n = 2027 LS and 1176 HS). Primary outcome analysis revealed a significant decrease in anastomotic leakage(RR = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.41-0.65; P < 0.00001) a s s o c i a t e d w i t h L S a n a s t o m o s i s. A s i g n i f i c a n t l y reduced rate of anastomotic stricture associated with LS was also found(RR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.49-0.64; P < 0.00001). A subgroup analysis according to the site of anastomosis revealed a significantly reduced rate of anastomotic stricture(P < 0.00001). Although there was no significant difference in the decrease in thoracic anastomotic leakage, there was a significant decrease in cervical anastomotic leakage associated with LS(P < 0.00001).CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that the LS technique contributes to a reduced rate of leakage and stricture compared with the HS method.

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Biliary strictures are classifi ed as anastomotic or non-anastomotic strictures according to location and are defi ned by distinct clinical behaviors. Anastomotic strictures are localized and short. The outcome of endoscopic treatment for anastomotic strictures is excellent. Nonanastomotic strictures often result from ischemic and immunological events, occur earlier and are usually multiple and longer. They are characterized by a far less favorable response to endoscopic management, higher recurrence rates, graft loss and need for retransplantation. Living donor OLT patients present a unique set of challenges arising from technical factors, and stricture risk for both recipients and donors. Endoscopic treatment of living donor OLT patients is less promising. Current endoscopic strategies for biliary strictures after OLT include repeated balloon dilations and placement of multiple side-by-side plastic stents. Lifelong surveillance is required in all types of strictures. Despite improvements in incidence and long term outcomes with endoscopic management, and a reduced need for surgical treatment, the impact of strictures on patients after OLT is signifi cant. Future considerations include new endoscopic technologies and improved stents, which could potentially allow for a decreased number of interventions, increased intervals before retreatment, and decreased reliance on percutaneous and surgical modalities. This review focuses on the role of endoscopy in biliary strictures, one of the most common biliary complications after OLT.

Bilioenteric anastomotic stricture in patients with benign and malignant tumors: prevalence,risk factors and treatment

BACKGROUND: Stricture formation at the bilioenteric anastomosis is a rare but important postoperative complication. However, information on this complication is lacking in the literature. In the present study, we aimed to assess its prevalence and predictive factors, and report our experience in managing bilioenteric anastomotic strictures over a ten-year period. METHODS: A total of 420 patients who had undergone bilioenteric anastomosis due to benign or malignant tumors between February 2001 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate modalities were used to identify predictive factors for anastomotic stricture occurrence. Furthermore, the treatment of anastomotic stricture was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (5.0%) were diagnosed with bilioenteric anastomotic stricture. There were 12 males and 9 females with a mean age of 61.6 years. The median time after operation to anastomotic stricture was 13.6 months (range, 1 month to 5 years). Multivariate analysis identified that surgeon volume (<30 cases) (odds ratio:-1.860; P=0.044) was associated with the anastomotic stricture while bile duct size (>6 mm) (odds ratio: 2.871; P=0.0002) had a negative association. Balloon dilation was performed in 18 patients, biliary stenting in 6 patients, and reoperation in 4 patients. Five patients died of tumor recurrence, and one of heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Bilioenteric anastomotic stricture is an uncommon complication that can be treated primarily by interventional procedures. Bilioenteric anastomosis may be performed by a surgeon in his earlier training period under the guidance of an experienced surgeon. Bile duct size >6 mm may play a protective role.

Placement of removable metal biliary stent in post-orthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic stricture

Postoperative biliary strictures are the most common cause of benign biliary stricture in Western countries, secondary to either operative injury or bile duct anastomotic stricture following orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT).Surgery or endoscopic interventions are the mainstay of treatment for benign biliary strictures.We aim to report the outcome of 2 patients with refractory anastomotic biliary stricture post-OLT,who had successful temporary placement of a prototype removable covered self-expandable metal stent(RCSEMS).These 2 patients(both men,aged 44 and 53 years)were given temporary placement of a prototype RCSEMS (8.5 Fr gauge delivery system,8 mm×40 mm stent dimensions)in the common bile duct across the biliary stricture.There was no morbidity associated with stent placement and removal in these 2 cases.Clinical parameters improved after the RCSEMS placement.Longterm biliary patency was achieved in both the patients. No further biliary intervention was required within 14 and 18 mo follow-up after stent removal.

Clinical outcomes of self-expandable metal stents in palliation of malignant anastomotic strictures caused by recurrent gastric cancer

AIM： To examine the technical feasibility and clinical outcomes of the endoscopic insertion of a selfexpandable metal stent （SEMS） for the palliation of a malignant anastomotic stricture caused by recurrent gastric cancer. METHODS： The medical records of patients, who had obstructive symptoms caused by a malignant anastomotic stricture after gastric surgery and underwent endoscopic insertion of a SEMS from January 2001 to December 2007 at Kangnam St Mary＇s Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS： Twenty patients （15 male, mean age 63 years） were included. The operations were a total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy （n = 12）, subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-Ⅰ reconstruction （n = 2） and subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth- Ⅱ reconstruction （n = 8）. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 70%, respectively. A small bowel or colon stricture was the reason for a lack of improvement in symptoms in 4 patients. Two of these patients showed improvement in symptoms after another stent was placed. Stent reobstruction caused by tumor ingrowth or overgrowth occurred in 3 patients （15%） within 1 mo after stenting. Stent migration occurred with a covered stent in 3 patients who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth-Ⅱ reconstruction. Two cases of partial stent migration were easily treated with a second stent or stent repositioning. The median stent patency was 56 d （range, 5-439 d）. The median survival was 83 d （range, 12-439 d）. CONCLUSION： Endoscopic insertion of a SEMS provides safe and effective palliation of a recurrent anastomotic stricture caused by gastric cancer, A meticulous evaluation of the presence of other strictures before inserting the stent is essential for symptom improvement.

Covered nitinol stents for the treatment of esophageal strictures and leaks

AIM:To compare 2 different types of covered esophageal nitinol stents(Ultraflex and Choostent) in terms of efficacy,complications,and long-term outcome.METHODS:A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 65 patients who underwent endoscopic placement of an Ultraflex stent(n = 33) or a Choostent(n = 32) from June 2001 to October 2009 was conducted.RESULTS:Stent placement was successful in all patients without hospital mortality.No significant differences in patient discomfort and complications were observed between the Ultraflex stent and Choostent groups.The median follow-up time was 6 mo(interquartile range 3-16 mo).Endoscopic reintervention was required in 9 patients(14%) because of stent migration or food obstruction.No significant difference in the rate of reintervention between the 2 groups was observed(P = 0.8).The mean dysphagia score 1 mo after stent placement was 1.9 ± 0.3 for the Ultraflex stent and 2.1 ± 0.4 for the Choostent(P = 0.6).At 1-mo follow-up endoscopy,the cover membrane of the stent appeared to be damaged more frequently in the Choostent group(P = 0.34).Removal of the Choostent was possible up to 8 wk without difficulty.CONCLUSION:Ultraflex and Choostent proved to be equally reliable for palliation of dysphagia and leaks.Removal of the Choostent was easy and safe under mild sedation.

Endoscopic and retrograde cholangiographic appearance of hepaticojejunostomy strictures:A practical classifi cation

AIM:To study the endoscopic and radiological characteristics of patients with hepaticojejunostomy(HJ)and propose a practical HJ stricture classif ication.METHODS:In a retrospective observational study,a balloon-assisted enteroscopy(BAE)-endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was performed 44 times in 32 patients with surgically-altered gastrointestinal(GI)anatomy.BAE-endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography(ERCP)was performed 23 times in 18 patients with HJ.The HJ was carefully studied with the endoscope and using cholangiography.RESULTS:The authors observed that the hepaticojejunostomies have characteristics that may allow these to be classif ied based on endoscopic and cholangiographic appearances:the HJ orif ice aspect may appear as small(type A)or large(type B)and the stricture may be short(type 1),long(type 2)and type 3,intrahepatic biliary strictures not associated with anastomotic stenosis.In total,7 patients had type A1,4 patients A2,one patient had B1,one patient had B(large orif ice without stenosis)and one patient had type B3.CONCLUSION:This practical classification allows for an accurate initial assessment of the HJ,thus potentially allowing for adequate therapeutic planning,as the shape,length and complexity of the HJ and biliary tree choice may mandate the type of diagnostic and thera-peutic accessories to be used.Of additional importance,a standardized classif ication may allow for better com-parison of studies of patients undergoing BAE-ERCP in the setting of altered upper GI anatomy.

Outcomes of side-to-side conversion hepaticojejunostomy for biliary anastomotic stricture after right-liver living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND:Conversion hepaticojejunostomy is considered the salvage intervention for biliary anastomotic stricture,a common complication of right-liver living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis,after failed endoscopic treatment.The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy with those of endto-side hepaticojejunostomy.METHODS:Prospectively collected data of 402 adult patients who had undergone right-liver living donor liver transplantation with duct-to-duct anastomosis were reviewed.Diagnosis of biliary anastomotic stricture was made based on clinical,biochemical,histological and radiological results.Endoscopic treatment was the first-line treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture.RESULTS:Interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment failed to correct the biliary anastomotic stricture in 13 patients,so they underwent conversion hepaticojejunostomy.Ten of them received end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy and three received side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy.In the end-to-side group,two patients sustained hepatic artery injury requiring repeated microvascular anastomosis,two developed restenosis requiring further percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and balloon dilatation,and two required revision hepaticojejunostomy.In the side-to-side group,one patient developed re-stenosis requiring further endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and balloon dilatation.No re-operation was needed in this group.Otherwise,outcomes in the two groups were similar in terms of liver function and graft survival.CONCLUSIONS:Despite the similar outcomes,side-to-side hepaticojejunostomy may be a better option for bile duct reconstruction after failed interventional radiological or endoscopic treatment because it can decrease the chance of hepatic artery injury and allows future endoscopic treatment if re-stricture develops.However,more large-scale studies are warranted to validate the results.

Incidence of anastomotic stricture after Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy using a circular stapling device

BACKGROUND Benign oesophageal strictures carry a significant level of morbidity,causing burdensome symptoms impacting on quality of life.Post-oesophagectomy anastomotic stricture rates as high as 41%have been reported in the literature.These can require endoscopic dilatation,often multiple times to relieve dysphagia.The aim of the present study was to determine a single surgeons stricture rate in a series of 2-stage Ivor-Lewis procedures,and to identify any independent risk factors in their development.AIM To determine a single surgeons stricture rate in a series of 2-stage Ivor-Lewis procedures,and to identify any independent risk factors in their development.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy performed from 2004-2018 to determine the stricture rate.The database comprised a single-surgeon series of open,two-stage oesophagectomies with a circular stapled intra-thoracic anastomosis.Tumour location,histology,neoadjuvant chemotherapy,stapler size,T-stage and R-status were analysed to see if they could predict stricture formation.Stricture was defined as dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilatation.Patients with anastomotic leaks were excluded on the basis they would develop an anastomotic stricture.RESULTS One hundred and seventy patients were collected in the database.Nineteen were excluded on the basis of anastomotic leak,perioperative death and early recurrence.One hundred and fifty-four patients(119 males,35 females)with a mean age of 64±10 years were eligible for analysis.A total of 15 patients developed strictures a median of 99 d(interquartile range:84-133)after surgery,giving a Kaplan-Meier estimated stricture rate of 10%at one year.None of the factors considered were found to be significantly associated with strictures.CONCLUSION In this study the stricture rate was 10%,with the majority occurring in the first 100 d after surgery.No significant independent factors were found in the development of strictures.

Endoscopic management of biliary strictures post-liver transplantation

Biliary complications play a significant role in morbidity of liver transplant recipients. Biliary strictures occur between 10%-25% of patients with a higher incidence in living donor recipients compared to deceased donors. Strictures can be classified as either anastomotic or non-anastomotic and may be related to ischemic events. Endoscopic management of biliary strictures in the posttransplant setting has become the preferred initial approach due to adequate rates of resolution of anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures(NAS).However, several factors may increase complexity of the endoscopic approach including surgical anatomy, location, number, and severity of bile duct strictures.Many endoscopic tools are available, however, the approach to management of anastomotic and NAS has not been standardized. Multi-disciplinary techniques may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes in select patients. We will review the risk factors associated with the development of bile duct strictures in the posttransplant setting along with the efficacy and complications of current endoscopic approaches available for the management of bile duct strictures.

Physiologic Type Reconstruction in Complicated Corrosive Strictures of Upper Gastrointestinal Segment

Objectives: The main steps for physiologic type reconstruction in 50 complicated corrosive strictures of upper alimentary tract are presented. Methods: In successive developed gastric outlet and esophageal strictures a limited Billroth I resection (in 9) or conversion a prior precolic GEA in such anastomosis (in 5) and middle or total gastrectomies (in 3) were performed. A second stage substernal by-pass with isoperistaltic transverse colon segment was done 6 - 12 weeks later. In all but one instances the graft was implanted high in the gastric stump. In extensive burned and retracted such lesion (in 3) a similar by-pass was carried out but the lower anastomosis was done with the not involved prepyloric segement. In concomittant antropyloric and esophageal strictures in 11 young, good risk patients, a limited Billroth I resction and simultaneous colonic bypass was used. In case of accompanied respiratory fistula (in 4) exclusion by-pass was useful for both lesions. The associated pyloric stricture (in 3) was solved at the same time. Side-to-end pharyngocolostomy was used in 4 high thoracocervical strictures. In 8 previously perforated strictures the by-ass was performed 2 months later. Reults: The overall mortality was 4%. The postoperative morbidity was low (8%). All cervical leaks closed spontaneously. Particular late complications required revisional surgery in 12, 5% of cases. Conclusion: In complicated corrosive strictures (esophageal, gastric, fistulas) limited Billoth I resection, isoperistaltic colon by-pass with high gastrocolic anastomosis, good gastric drainage and maintenance of the duodenum in gastrointestinal continuity are the main factors to achieve the best functional results.

胆总管囊肿切除术后胆肠吻合口狭窄的腹腔镜手术处理

目的 总结胆总管囊肿切除术后胆肠吻合口狭窄再行腹腔镜手术处理的疗效。方法 回顾性分析2019年7月至2024年4月武汉大学人民医院收治的胆总管囊肿切除术后胆肠吻合口狭窄,再行腹腔镜下胆肠吻合口重建的患者资料。再次腹腔镜手术过程分为三个部分:解剖复位各相关器官,建立大口径的胆管开口、取石,重建胆肠吻合、肠肠吻合。分析胆肠吻合口重建手术的手术时间、术中出血量、肛门排气时间,以及术后住院时间、术后并发症情况。结果 根据纳排标准,本研究筛选出13例胆总管囊肿切除术后胆肠吻合口狭窄再行腹腔镜手术的患者资料。第1例患者中转开腹完成手术,其余12例均通过腹腔镜完成手术。手术时间3.5~5.0 h,平均(4.1±0.6)h;术中出血量20~150 mL,平均(61.5±41.4)mL;术后肛门排气时间2~4 d,平均(2.5±0.7)d;术后住院时间7~12 d,平均(8.8±1.9)d;术后发生胆瘘2例,无术后腹腔感染、腹腔出血、再手术、术后死亡患者。所有患者随访9~57个月,平均(32.3±15.1)个月,随访期间未见胆肠吻合口再狭窄患者,1例患者出现胆管炎表现,经保守治疗缓解。结论 胆总管囊肿切除术后胆肠吻合口狭窄再行腹腔镜手术重建胆肠吻合口,安全有效。

经尿道棒状电极等离子电切术与尿道端端吻合术治疗短段尿道狭窄早期临床疗效比较

目的 探讨经尿道棒状电极等离子电切术与尿道端端吻合术治疗短段尿道狭窄早期临床疗效。方法 2014年1月~2020年12月本院收治的男性短段尿道狭窄病人125例,根据手术方式的不同分为经尿道棒状电极等离子电切术(微创组)和尿道端端吻合术(开放组)。进一步根据尿道狭窄长度的不同,将微创组分为微创一组(狭窄段长度≤1 cm)和微创二组(狭窄段长度1~2 cm),开放一组(狭窄段长度≤1 cm)和开放二组(狭窄段长度1~2 cm)。比较4组之间的手术成功率。结果 微创一组与开放一组手术成功率分别为88.57%和93.10%,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。微创二组与开放二组手术成功率分别为67.86%和90.91%,微创二组手术成功率低于开放二组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。微创一组与微创二组手术成功率分别为88.57%和67.86%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。开放一组与开放二组手术成功率分别为93.10%和90.91%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 对于狭窄段长度≤1cm尿道狭窄,因经尿道棒状电极等离子电切术与开放手术手术成功率相同,手术创伤小,恢复快,因此首选经尿道棒状电极等离子电切术微创治疗。对于1~2 cm尿道狭窄,微创手术创伤小,恢复快,但开放手术成功率更高,手术方式的选择需权衡利弊,综合考虑。

肝移植术后胆道吻合口狭窄的诊疗进展

近年来,随着器官保存、手术技术、围手术期管理及免疫抑制方案的发展,肝移植手术成功率和受者生存率明显提高,已成为终末期肝病患者的最佳治疗方案。但胆道并发症依然是肝移植术后常见的并发症,尤其是胆道吻合口狭窄,严重的胆道吻合口狭窄不仅会增加治疗成本,还会导致移植物丢失,甚至影响受者生存率。因此,胆道吻合口狭窄的及时诊断和治疗对于提高肝移植术后受者生存率至关重要。本文就肝移植术后胆道吻合口狭窄的危险因素、临床症状、诊断及治疗进行综述,以期为肝移植术后胆道吻合口狭窄的研究和诊疗提供新的思路,进一步提高肝移植手术效果和受者生存质量。

经肛门引流管在回肠末端近回盲部肠吻合术中的临床应用

目的分析经肛门引流管在回肠末端近回盲部肠吻合术中的临床应用。方法回顾分析2015年1月至2021年12月赣州市妇幼保健院收治的60例新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎造瘘后远端回肠狭窄患儿的临床资料。在距离回肠末端5 cm以内的回肠吻合手术中,根据手术方式的不同分为对照组与观察组,每组30例。对照组采取保留回盲部直接行回肠吻合术,观察组采取回肠末端近回盲部肠吻合术治疗。比较两组临床病情控制优良率、手术时间、术后开始肠内营养时间、住院时间及并发症发生率。结果观察组临床病情控制优良率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组手术时间比较差异无统计学意义;观察组术后开始肠内营养时间、住院时间均短于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组并发症发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论回肠末端近回盲部肠吻合术治疗新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎造瘘后远端回肠狭窄的效果更佳,在距离回肠末端5 cm以内的回肠吻合手术中,采用经肛门引流管相对于以往保留回盲部一期行回肠吻合手术,病情控制较好,可缩短术后开始肠内营养时间、住院时间,且术后相关并发症少,值得推广应用。

尿道修复手术失败后再手术经验回顾总结(“大家泌尿网”观看手术视频)

经会阴尿道吻合术是目前治疗骨盆骨折尿道狭窄的重要方法之一,失败后的补救性手术仍以该入路为主。再手术患者的尿道近端与远端之间往往存在长段闭锁,单纯牵拉远近端难以达到无张力吻合,这是导致尿道吻合失败的主要原因。本文归纳总结了尿道修复手术失败的因素、失败后再手术的方法选择、术中细节以及常见技术难点的解决方案,以期促进尿道修复重建外科医生的理论和技术水平。

食管、贲门癌术后吻合口狭窄扩张术的经验

食管扩张术适合于食管、贲门癌术后吻合狭窄,也可用于腐蚀性灼伤之疤痕狭窄。本组对267例术后狭窄患者行扩张术1122次,57％患者获较好效果。扩张术中所见以疤痕性环形狭窄为多,占56.9％。此类病人进食困难明显,扩张后效果较好。形成狭窄之原因为吻合时缝线在同一平面所致。近期我们采用食管置入法,对预防狭窄有初步效果。穿孔及出血为扩张术之严重并发症,故对拟行扩张之病人,必须有一周内之食管造影片,以了解吻合口的狭窄程度及有无溃疡存在。对扩张后有胸腹痛者,须住院观察,必要时及早拍摄胸片及食管造影。