Successful Recanalization of a Long-Segment Complete Esophageal Stricture Using Endoscopic and Fluoroscopic Techniques

Complete esophageal strictures are rare complications in patients who have received head and neck radiation therapy. Although mild strictures are generally amenable to dilation or stenting, management of these debilitating strictures is not well established. Treatment of long-segment obstructions is particularly complicated because documented techniques generally apply for strictures up to 3 cm in length. This report describes a successful recanalization of a long-segment complete esophageal stricture using combined antegrade-retrograde endoscopic therapy with adjunctive fluoroscopic techniques.