Fluoroscopic balloon dilatation with antegrade and retrograde endoscopes is useful for complete pharyngoesophageal obstruction after radiation therapy

Radiation therapy for pharyngoesophageal cancer can lead to severe esophageal stricture in the irradiation field [1]. Balloon dilation is often the primary mode of treatment [2]; however, in cases with severe stenosis, dilation using antegrade and retrograde endoscopes is useful [3] [4]. However, it may also increase the risk of esophageal perforation [5]. Herein we report a case of fluoroscopic balloon dilation with double endoscopes that was successful for dilating a complete pharyngoesophageal obstruction due to chemoradiation therapy.

A 74-year-old man underwent chemoradiation therapy (total 7 Gy) for pharyngeal (cStage IVA) and esophageal (cStage I) cancers. Two months later, he became aware of dysfunction in swallowing. Esophageal contrast examination showed complete disruption of the influx of the contrast medium into the pharynx and esophagus ([Fig. 1], [Fig. 2]). Surgical resection was not indicated in this case because the stenosis was located in the upper esophagus and because of the risk of anastomotic insufficiency. Therefore, we performed retrograde endoscopy with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for the esophageal obstruction ([Fig. 3]). We measured the length and direction of the esophageal obstruction using fluoroscopy. We used oral endoscopy to confirm the insertion of the guidewire, which was inserted through the retrograde endoscope via PEG. The guidewire was then grabbed with biopsy forceps using an oral endoscope and dilation of the stenosis was successful ([Fig. 4], [Video 1]). Furthermore, there were no complications, such as perforation or bleeding, after performing the procedure under fluoroscopy. No recurrence of obstruction was reported for 6 months after the dilation procedure, and the patient could consume food orally.

Fig. 1 Fluoroscopy depicting the contrast agents remaining in the upper esophagus.

Fig. 2 The esophagoscopy showed the complete esophageal obstruction.

Fig. 3 The mucosa on the anal side was more vulnerable than the stenosis of the esophagus. This was because there was no passage of food and drink for a long time.

Fig. 4 Upon balloon dilation of the esophageal stenosis, perforation was prevented by using a combination of fluoroscopy and anal endoscopy.

Video 1 Fluoroscopic balloon dilatation using double endoscopes is useful for dilation in the case of complete pharyngoesophageal obstruction.

In conclusion, fluoroscopic balloon dilatation using double endoscopes is useful for dilation in the case of complete pharyngoesophageal obstruction.

Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AO_2AN

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

• References

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• 2 Hu H-T, Shin JH, Kim JH. et al. Fluoroscopically guided balloon dilation for pharyngoesophageal stricture after radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2010; 194: 1131-1136 DOI: 10.2214/AJR.09.3345.
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• 4 Bueno R, Swanson SJ, Jaklitsch MT. et al. Combined antegrade and retrograde dilation: a new endoscopic technique in the management of complex esophageal obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc 2001; 54: 368-372 DOI: 10.1067/mge.2001.117517.
• 5 Dellon ES, Cullen NR, Madanick RD. et al. Outcomes of a combined antegrade and retrograde approach for dilatation of radiation-induced esophageal strictures (with video). Gastrointest Endosc 2010; 71: 1122-1129 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2009.12.057.

Publication History

Article published online:
05 July 2022