BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic dilatation is the standard therapy for postoperative colorectal anastomotic strictures, although it carries the risk of perforation at the weakest part of the @entity254 . In order to minimize this risk we have developed a combined technique of endoscopic electroincision and @entity384 . @entity1 AND METHODS: Thirty-six symptomatic @entity1 with benign colorectal anastomotic strictures were referred for endoscopic electroincision with consecutive @entity384 , if the diameter of the @entity254 was less than 12 mm (n = 15) or if the diameter was less than 20 mm and the @entity1 complained of repeated obstructive symptoms under conservative therapy (n = 21). Under direct endoscopic control the scar tissue at the anastomotic line was incised radially with the tip of the polypectomy snare or with a papillotome. Endoscopic @entity384 was then performed, using a pressure of 35 PSI for three minutes. An endoscopic or radiological control was carried out on the second day, and @entity384 was repeated if necessary. RESULTS: The combined technique of electroincision and consecutive @entity384 was performed successfully in 35 @entity1 . In only one @entity1 this therapy could not be performed, because of a long stenotic segment, and surgery was necessary. In 24 @entity1 one single dilatation was sufficient after electroincision, whereas six @entity1 required two, and five @entity1 required three consecutive balloon dilatations. There were no severe complications such as @entity548 or perforation. Complete follow-up evaluation was possible in 25 @entity1 . In five cases recurrences appeared within the first year; all could be treated successfully by further @entity384 . CONCLUSIONS: The combination of endoscopic electroincision and @entity384 leads to a high long-term clinical success with a minimum of complications. Therefore, in our opinion it is a useful method in the treatment of benign colorectal anastomotic strictures.

Endoscopic therapy of benign anastomotic strictures of the colorectum by electroincision and XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient', 'PATIENTS'] @entity384 :: ('MESH:D002311', 'Disease') :: ['balloon dilatation', 'hydraulic balloon dilatation'] @entity254 :: ('MESH:C563598', 'Disease') :: ['anastomosis'] @entity548 :: ('MESH:D006470', 'Disease') :: ['bleeding']
@entity384 :: (MESH:D002311,Disease) :: ['balloon dilatation']
