Pediatric benign esophageal strictures: current understanding from etiology to treatment
Introduction
Esophageal strictures (ES) constitute a substantial clinical burden in the pediatric population, manifesting as dysphagia, nutritional compromise, growth faltering, and recurrent hospitalizations (1). Affected children often experience considerable morbidity and may require repeated endoscopic dilation or surgical resection to relieve obstruction. Current classification systems categorize ES into two distinct phenotypes—simple or complex strictures—based on morphological characteristics such as size, symmetry, and endoscopic accessibility. Simple strictures are characterized by short-segment involvement (<2 cm), concentric luminal narrowing, and endoscopic permeability (8–9.8 mm scope passage). In contrast, complex strictures are characterized by long-segment pathology (≥2 cm), tortuous configurations, or complete luminal obliteration (1,2). For the majority of simple benign strictures, minimally invasive endoscopic therapy is beneficial. In contrast, complex strictures are more resistant to initial medical and endoscopic therapies (2). A subset of refractory ES, commonly arising from caustic ingestion, surgical anastomosis, congenital malformations, or radiation-induced strictures, poses particular therapeutic challenges because of the absence of uniform definition of refractory ES (2,3). The mainstream definition includes (meet one of the following): failure to achieve age-adjusted luminal patency after ≥5 dilations within 5 months, or the need for ≥7 dilation procedures irrespective of the time frame, or persistent dysphagia (pediatric eating assessment tool score ≥4) despite 6 months of multimodal therapy (1,3). This comprehensive review aimed to provide an updated overview of pediatric ES management and available evidence, focusing on the most recent technologies, to guide clinicians in effectively managing complex cases.
Etiology
ES is common in children and usually benign in nature (4). The causes can be classified as congenital, secondary, and dyskinetic types (Table 1). ES can also be grouped into three categories: (I) intrinsic conditions that narrow the esophageal lumen through inflammation, fibrosis, or neoplasia; (II) extrinsic conditions that compromise the esophageal lumen by direct invasion or lymph node enlargement; (III) diseases that disrupt esophageal peristalsis or lower esophageal sphincter function by affecting the esophageal smooth muscle and its innervation (5).
Table 1
| Congenital stenosis |
| Fibromuscular thickening (FMT) |
| Tracheobronchial remnants (TBR) |
| Membranous web (MW) |
| Secondary stenosis |
| Caustic and button battery ingestion |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) |
| Anastomotic strictures after surgery |
| Epidermolysis bullosa |
| Esophageal ganglioneuromatosis |
| Actinomycosis |
| Scald injury |
| Radiation-induced injury |
| Extrinsic compression |
| Motility-associated stenosis |
| Achalasia |
The estimated incidence rate of congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) ranges from 1/25,000 to 1/50,000 live births (6,7). It may present subtly, sometimes observed in the neonatal period as recurrent vomiting during feeding, or later in infancy with the introduction of solids (8). The age of presentation can vary considerably and depends on the severity of the stenosis. CES is typically located in the middle and lower part of the esophagus and is classified into the following three subtypes: fibromuscular thickening (54%), tracheobronchial remnants (30%), or membranous web (15%), with approximately 10–14% being associated with esophageal atresia (EA) as a second lesion (4,6,7,9). Endoscopic ultrasonography has shown promise in classifying this disease, while reports on its application in preschool children are scarce (10). In most cases, surgical specimens cannot be procured, making histological classification relatively difficult (7).
Secondary ES are the most common type of ES in children. Major causes include corrosive and button battery ingestion, anastomotic strictures after tracheo-oesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia (TOF/OA), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and epidermolysis bullosa. Less common causes include esophageal ganglioneuromatosis, actinomycosis, scald injury, and radiation-induced injury (3,4,7,11-15). Corrosive ingestion is an important cause of both ES and refractory ES. The amount, physical state, and pH of the corrosives significantly affect the location and severity of esophageal tissue damage (16,17). Upon contact with strong bases and acids, mucosal damage begins immediately. Acid ingestion usually triggers coagulation necrosis, leading to mucosal scarring. In contrast, alkaline substances can penetrate tissues and induce liquefactive necrosis. Tissue damage continues until the alkalis are neutralized (16). By the third week after ingesting corrosive agents, fibroblast proliferation results in the formation of ES and scar tissue within the submucosal and muscular layers (16,18). Accidental ingestion and impaction of button batteries are also relatively common causes of serious esophageal complications. Button batteries can induce liquefactive necrosis at the negative pole. They are most commonly ingested by toddlers aged 1–3 years (19). Caustic injury can occur within 2 h of exposure and may progress even after the battery is removed (19). ES following tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)/EA repair is the most common postoperative complication, occurring in 40–56% of cases (12,20). Additionally, up to 70% of infants with TEF/EA develop coexistent GERD, which significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of postoperative strictures (21). EoE is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The estimated incidence in children is 6.6/100,000/year, though it varies geographically. Exposure to foods commonly present in the diet is associated with esophageal mucosal infiltration by mixed granulocytes. The inflammation weakens the integrity of the epithelial barrier, damages the mucosa, and is associated with progressive esophageal fibrosis (22). Adolescents and adults have typical symptoms such as solid food dysphagia and esophageal food impaction. However, these symptoms are less specific in younger children and infants (22,23).
Motility-associated ES primarily results from the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to achieve effective relaxation, often accompanied by impaired esophageal peristalsis, such as achalasia. The estimated incidence is approximately 0.1–0.3 cases per 100,000 children annually (24). The leading pathogenic hypothesis involves a virus-driven autoimmune neurodegenerative process affecting the myenteric plexus that innervates the esophageal smooth muscle.
Diagnosis and assessment
Children with ES typically exhibit similar clinical manifestations despite varying underlying etiologies. Symptom severity often depends on the location, severity, and degree of stenosis. Dysphagia is the main and typical symptom of ES, which involves normal swallowing of liquids but difficulty with semisolid or solid foods (12). In infants and young children, this condition may present as food refusal, excessive salivation, feeding difficulties, gastroesophageal reflux, or malnutrition. Additionally, some patients may exhibit respiratory symptoms such as recurrent coughing, wheezing, or pneumonia (1,12,25). A detailed medical history should be obtained when assessing patients with suspected ES. The essential information includes dietary habits, nutritional status, history of accidental ingestion or swallowing, prior surgeries, and history of radiation therapy.
The condition can be evaluated more precisely using the following examination methods: (I) esophagography and gastroscopy: these can determine the location, range, form, and degree of stenosis or the presence of a pseudodiverticulum; observe the mucosal lesions; or obtain biopsy samples from strictures for analysis to exclude malignancy and EoE (1,26,27). (II) Cervicothoracic computed tomography (CT) or contrast-enhanced CT: CT imaging can help assess the esophageal wall or other compression-associated related strictures, such as vascular rings and slings, derived from malformations of the primitive aortic arch system or tumors (12). (III) Mini-probe endoscopic ultrasound: high-frequency mini-probes can visualize individual layers of the gastrointestinal wall and are suitable for use in the preschool pediatric population, as they can pass through a 2.8-mm channel of a standard endoscope. Mini-probe endoscopic ultrasound can provide detailed information about the esophageal wall in patients with ES, including wall thickness, extent of involvement, and proximity to the surrounding organs, helping to predict the effects of expansion and differentiate tracheobronchial remnants from other CES (1,10,28). (IV) High-resolution esophageal manometry: this is the gold standard for diagnosing esophageal motility disorders, such as achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction, and ineffective motility. It can measure the intraluminal pressure along the esophagus, which is then converted it into dynamic esophageal pressure topography plots (29). These plots provide real-time measurements of contractility, sphincter amplitude, and bolus transit, resulting in an overall assessment of esophageal motility using standardized algorithms, such as the Chicago classification system (29).
Treatment
The goal of stricture treatment is to relieve symptoms, permit unrestricted oral diet, and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration (30). Management of benign ES requires a dual approach: mechanical dilation to relieve luminal obstruction and targeted therapy to address the underlying etiology. Treatment response depends not only on the stricture’s etiology but also on other factors such as its length and diameter, depth of tissue injury, and presence of comorbidities (4). Treatment timing and strategies should be individualized. We reviewed the relevant studies about the treatment outcomes of pediatric benign ES in recent 10 years (Table 2). The following summarizes the current treatment methods used for ES.
Table 2
| No. | Study | Publication year | Country | No. of ES patients | Etiology | Type of stricture | Technique | Outcome | Severe complications | Perforation rates (%) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endoscopic dilations | No. of esophageal stenting patients | No. of EIT patients | Magnetic recanalization | Endoscopic dilation+ intralesional steroid injection | Endoscopic dilation + MMC | Surgical treatment | |||||||||||||
| No. of Bougie dilators patients | No. of Balloon dilators patients | No. of total dilatations | No. of patients with clinical success rates (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Shimizu T et al. (31) | 2025 | Australia | 33 | Anastomotic stricture | 24 short stricture, 9 long stricture (>3 cm) | NA | NA | 157 | 33 (100.0) | – | – | – | – | – | – | All successful | NA | NA |
| 2 | Irlayıcı FI et al. (32) | 2025 | Kazakhstan | 15 | Corrosive stricture | NA | – | 15 | NA | 13 (86.7) | – | – | – | – | – | 2 patients underwent surgical esophageal replacement or repair | All successful, 2 unsuccessful transfer to surgery | 3 esophageal perforation, 1 of them brain abscess following dilation | 3 (20.0) |
| 3 | Zhang Yi et al. (33) | 2025 | China | 37 | Corrosive stricture (15/37) | NA | 19 | 18 | 214 (124 bougie dilation, 90 balloon dilation) | 35 (94.6) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent surgical resection of strictures after repeated balloon dilation | 30 complete cured, 6 improved, 1 lost to follow-up | 0 | 0 |
| Anastomotic stricture (15/37) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (7/37) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Taher H et al. (34) | 2025 | Egypt | 10 | Corrosive stricture | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 10 patients underwent transhiatal colon bypass for esophageal replacement | 9 successful, 1 intraoperative death | 2 vagus nerve injury, 1 intraoperative death, 2 anastomotic leaks | 2 (40.0) |
| 5 | Sawires H et al. (35) | 2024 | Egypt | 40 | Corrosive stricture | 24 short stricture, 16 long stricture | NA | NA | NA | 36 (90.0) | – | – | – | – | – | 4 patients underwent surgery (no detail) | All successful | NA | NA |
| 6 | Xu G et al. (36) | 2024 | China | 11 | Button battery | NA | – | 2 | 2 | 2 (100) | – | – | – | – | – | – | All successful (9 spontaneous remission, 2 dilation) | 0 | 0 |
| 7 | Yokoyama S et al. (14) | 2024 | Japan | 1 | Actinomycosis | Long stricture | – | 1 | 1 | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 successful by antibiotics (penicillin G) | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Zerbib P et al. (37) | 2024 | France | 37 | Corrosive stricture | NA | NA | NA | NA | 23 (62.2) | – | – | – | – | – | 12 patients underwent surgery (no detail) | 35 successful, 2 lost to follow-up | NA | NA |
| 9 | Maher A et al. (38) | 2024 | UK | 19 | Corrosive stricture (18/19), unknown origin (1/19) | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 19 patients underwent open or laparoscopic-assisted esophageal replacement | 8 successful, 11 need balloon dilation due to anastomotic stricture complications | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | He XQ et al. (39) | 2024 | China | 75 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | 75 | – | 210 | 74 (98.67) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 74 successful, 1 lost to follow-up | 2 esophageal perforation, 3 obvious bleeding | 2 (0.95) |
| 11 | Atıcı A et al. (40) | 2023 | Turkey | 11 | Corrosive stricture | NA | 11 | – | NA | 10 (90.9) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 10 successful, 1 death due to post-expansion hemorrhage | 1 death due to post-expansion hemorrhage | 0 |
| 12 | Sabrine BY et al. (41) | 2023 | Tunisia | 107 | Corrosive stricture | 19 short stricture (<2 cm), 55 long stricture, 33 very long (>5 cm) | – | 107 | 672 | 86 (80.4) | 12 | – | – | – | – | 9 patients underwent esophageal replacement | 86 dilation successful, 21 no response transfer to esophageal replacement or stent and successful | 41 esophageal perforation, 10 gastroesophageal reflux due to stenting | 41 (38.3) |
| 13 | Walker H et al. (42) | 2023 | UK | 97 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | 97 | 341 | 97 (100.0) | – | – | – | – | – | – | All successful | 2 perforations (conservative treatment recovery) | 2 (0.6) |
| 14 | Kamran A et al. (43) | 2023 | USA | 139 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | 65 | NA | 0 | – | – | – | – | – | 43 patients underwent stricturoplasty, 96 patients underwent segmental stricture, 9 patients underwent stricture resection with a delayed anastomosis after traction-induced lengthening | 136 preserved their esophagus, while 98 patients need ≥1 time balloon dilation after surgery | 11 anastomotic leak | 11 (7.4) |
| 15 | Fakıoglu E et al. (44) | 2023 | Turkey | 54 | Corrosive stricture (20/54) | 39 simple stricture, 15 complex stricture | NA | NA | 447 (235 bougie dilation, 212 balloon dilation) | 43 (79.6) | – | – | – | – | – | 2 patients underwent colonic interposition, 1 patient underwent fundoplication revision | 43 successful, 5 ongoing dilations, 3 lost to follow-up, 3 no response transfer to surgery | 10 esophageal perforation and hemorrhage | 10 (2.2) |
| Anastomotic stricture (19/54) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Post-fundoplication (6/54) | |||||||||||||||||||
| GERD (5/54) | |||||||||||||||||||
| CES (2/54), Aspergillus esophagitis (1/54), epidermolysis bullosa (1/54) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | Patterson KN et al. (45) | 2023 | USA | 138 | Corrosive stricture | NA | NA | NA | NA | 103 (74.6) | – | – | – | – | – | 35 patients underwent esophageal surgery (no detail) | All successful | 22 esophageal perforation | 22 (15.9) |
| 17 | Vorster J et al. (46) | 2022 | South Africa | 8 | Corrosive stricture (7/8), unknown origin (1/8) | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2 patients underwent stricture resection and re-anastomosis, 2 patients underwent total esophageal replacement with colon graft, 1 patient underwent gastric pull-up in, 3 patients underwent pedicled colon patch esophagoplasty | All successful | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Lee SB et al. (47) | 2023 | Korea | 69 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | 69 | 227 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 33 of 227 balloon dilatation sessions showed a positive response | NA | NA |
| 19 | Sohouli MH et al. (48) | 2023 | Several countries | 340 | Corrosive/chemotherapy/achalasia/esophageal perforation/anastomotic/reflux stricture | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 340 | – | – | – | – | 49 patients stents were unsuccessful transfer to surgical repair | 185 successful, 95 partially successful, 49 no response, 11 ongoing treatment | 15 esophageal perforation, 1 death, 3 severe hemorrhage, 47 stent migration | 15 (4.4) |
| 20 | Marom A et al. (25) | 2022 | Israel | 46 | TEF (24/46) | NA | – | 46 | 174 | 29 (63.0) | – | 4 | – | – | – | – | 29 successful, 4 no response transfer to EIT, 13 ongoing treatment | 4 esophageal perforation, 1 death | 4 (2.3) |
| EoE (4/46) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corrosive stricture (10/46) | |||||||||||||||||||
| CES (8/46) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | Huang Z et al. (49) | 2022 | China | 1 | CES | Short stricture | – | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 22 | Ferreira-Silva J et al. (50) | 2022 | Portugal | 1 | TEF and esophageal stricture secondary to button battery | Short stricture | – | – | – | – | 1 | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent esophageal surgery because no response to stent | 1 no response to stent and successful by surgery | 0 | 0 |
| 23 | Aragón S et al. (51) | 2022 | Colombia | 111 | Anastomotic stricture (62/111) | 69 short stricture (<2 cm), 31 long stricture (>2 cm), 11 no detail | – | 111 | 663 | 83 (74.8) | – | – | – | – | – | 28 patients underwent esophageal surgery (19 esophageal replacement with gastric, 9 stricture resection) | 83 successful, 28 no response transfer to surgery | 12 esophageal perforation | 12 (1.8) |
| Corrosive stricture (27/111) | |||||||||||||||||||
| GERD (10/111) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idiopathic (12/111) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 24 | Kahriman G et al. (52) | 2022 | Turkey | 116 | Anastomotic stricture (49/116) | NA | – | 116 | 375 | 91 (85) | – | – | – | – | – | 11 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 91 successful, 11 no response transfer to surgery, other patients were not mentioned | 2 esophageal perforation | 2 (1.7) |
| Hiatal achalasia (21/116) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corrosive stricture (13/116) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Idiopathic (11/116) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Fundoplication/epidermolysis bullosa/peptic esophagitis/infection/CES/radiation-induced (22/116) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 25 | Baghdadi O et al. (53) | 2022 | USA | 45 | Anastomotic stricture | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 45 | – | – | – | – | 29 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 20 of 49 esophageal stricture successful, 29 of 49 no response transfer to surgery (total 49 stricture in 45 patients) | 10 stent migration, 25 granulation tissue formation, 27 ulceration/erosion (total 92 stents in 45 patients) | 0 |
| 26 | Kılıç SS et al. (54) | 2022 | Turkey | 19 | CES | NA | – | 19 | 114 | 16 (84.2) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent esophageal surgery | 16 successful, 1 no response transfer to EIT, 2 ongoing dilation treatment | 0 | 0 |
| 27 | Wang X et al. (55) | 2021 | China | 14 | Corrosive stricture (9/14) | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 14 | – | – | – | – | – | 13 successful, 1 intolerance | 2 restenosis and granulation tissue hyperplasia, 2 stent migration and malapposition | 0 |
| Esophageal perforation after dilation or POEM (2/14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Achalasia of cardia (2/14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Chemotherapy-induced stricture (1/14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 28 | Losada G et al. (56) | 2021 | Colombia | 1 | Corrosive stricture | Recurrent stricture | 1 | – | 2 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 29 | Walter R et al. (57) | 2021 | Colombia | 1 | CES | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent stenosis resection and thoracoscopic esophageal anastomosis | 1 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 30 | EI-Asmar KM et al. (58) | 2021 | Egypt | 7 | Corrosive stricture | Refractory stricture | 7 | 7 | NA | 6 (85.7) | – | – | – | – | 6 | 1 patient underwent colon interposition surgery | 6 successful, 1 no response transfer to colon interposition surgery | 0 | 0 |
| 31 | Mochizuki K et al. (59) | 2021 | Japan | 83 | CES | NA | – | 64 | NA | 38 (45.8) | – | – | – | – | – | 45 patients underwent esophageal surgery (including 26 dilation failure) | 49 successful, 34 still need to dilation (some of them have undergone surgical treatment) | 6 esophageal perforation | 6 (7.2) |
| 32 | Jiang Y et al. (60) | 2021 | China | 13 | Tracheobronchial remnants | Short stricture | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 5 patients underwent traditional laparotomy and pyloroplasty, 8 patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted longitudinal incision and transverse anastomosis | 7 successful, 6 anastomotic stricture improved by dilations | 2 anastomotic leakage | 2 (15.4) |
| 33 | Roboei E et al. (61) | 2021 | Saudi Arabia | 137 | Post-TEF repair (51/137) | 106 single stricture, 31 multiple stricture | 44 | 47 | 716 | 109 (79.6) | – | – | – | 5 | 11 | 6 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 47 successful by balloon dilation, 44 successful by bougie dilation, 18 successful by bougie and balloon dilation | 4 esophageal perforation | 4 (2.9) |
| Esophageal atresia (40/137) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corrosive stricture (23/137) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (23/137) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 34 | EI-Asmar KM et al. (62) | 2021 | Egypt | 100 | Corrosive stricture | 56 short stricture (<3 cm), 44 long stricture | 100 | – | 939 | 91 (91.0) | – | – | – | – | 100 | 6 patients underwent esophageal surgery due to dilation perforation | 91 successful | 19 esophageal perforation | 19 (19.0) |
| 35 | Yen HH et al. (63) | 2021 | China | 1 | Anastomotic stricture | Refractory stricture | – | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 36 | Awolaran O et al. (64) | 2020 | UK | 3 | Corrosive stricture (2/3), anastomotic stricture (1/3) | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | 3 no response transfer to dilation | 0 | 0 |
| 37 | Dai DL et al. (65) | 2020 | China | 64 | Anastomotic stricture | 58 single stricture, 6 multiple stricture | – | 64 | 132 | 62 (96.9) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 62 successful, 2 no response transfer to surgery | 4 esophageal perforation | 4 (6.3) |
| 38 | Tarek S et al. (66) | 2020 | Egypt | 100 | Corrosive stricture | 26 short stricture, 74 long stricture (≥4 cm) | 100 | – | NA | 54 (54.0) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 54 successful, 46 poor response | NA | NA |
| 39 | Yasuda J et al. (67) | 2020 | USA | 36 | CES | NA | – | 36 | NA | NA | – | 21 | – | – | – | 13 patients underwent esophageal surgery (5 stricture resection, 6 surgical myotomies, 2 jejunal interpositions) | 22 successful, 13 no response transfer to surgery, 1 poor response | 18 esophageal leak, 4 stent migration, 2 stent edge erosion with perforation | 2 (5.6) |
| 40 | Mochizuki K et al. (68) | 2020 | Japan | 1 | CES | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent laparoscopic partial circular myectomy | 1 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 41 | Davidson JR et al. (69) | 2020 | UK | 35 | Anastomotic stricture (24/35) | NA | – | 35 | 226 | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | NA | 1 esophageal perforation | 1 (0.4) |
| Corrosive stricture (5/35) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (6/35) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 42 | Ten Kate CA et al. (20) | 2020 | Netherlands | 6 | Anastomotic stricture | Recurrent stricture | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 6 | – | – | 5 successful, 1 no response transfer to dilation and stents | 0 | 0 |
| 43 | Abdelhay S et al. (70) | 2020 | Egypt | 340 | Corrosive stricture | Refractory stricture | 340 | – | 340 | 0 | – | – | – | 340 | – | 85 no response transfer to surgery | 255 successful, 85 no response transfer to surgery | NA | NA |
| 44 | Tandon S et al. (71) | 2019 | UK | 25 | Corrosive stricture (12/25) | NA | NA | NA | 24 | 1 (4.0) | 25 | – | – | 4 | 5 | 6 patients underwent esophageal surgery before stent insertion, 8 of 25 patients underwent esophageal surgery after stent insertion | 2 successful, 11 no response transfer to dilation, 8 no response transfer to surgery, 4 lost to follow-up | 31 of 65 stents migration, 2 of 65 stents esophageal perforation | 2 (3.1) |
| Anastomotic stricture (9/25) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Esophagitis-related stricture (4/25) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 45 | Ley D et al. (72) | 2019 | France | 39 | Anastomotic stricture (25/39) | 35 single stricture, 4 multiple stricture | 20 | 19 | NA | 26 (66.7) | – | – | – | – | – | 8 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 26 successful, 12 no response (8 of them transfer to surgery), 1 lost to follow-up | 1 enterobacter cloacae bacteraemia | 0 |
| Corrosive stricture (9/39) | |||||||||||||||||||
| CES (3/39) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (2/39) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 46 | Zeng WH et al. (73) | 2019 | China | 119 | Corrosive stricture | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 119 patients underwent colon interposition surgery | All successful | 5 anastomotic leakage, 3 laryngeal nerve injury and hoarseness, 1 wound infection | 5 (4.2) |
| 47 | Mark JA et al. (74) | 2019 | USA | 105 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | 37 | 66 | 246 | NA | – | – | – | – | – | 4 patients underwent esophageal surgery due to dilation perforation | NA | 4 esophageal perforation | 4 (3.8) |
| Corrosive stricture | |||||||||||||||||||
| EoE | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||||||||||
| 48 | Chang CH et al. (75) | 2019 | China | 50 | Primary stricture (13/50) | NA | – | 50 | 268 | 36 (72.0) | – | – | – | – | – | 7 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 36 successful, 7 no response transfer to surgery, 7 still dilation | 5 esophageal perforation | 7 (2.6) |
| Secondary stricture (37/50) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 49 | AI Sarkhy AA et al. (76) | 2018 | Saudi Arabia | 43 | Anastomotic stricture (14/43) | 38 short stricture, 5 long stricture | 18 | 25 | 180 | 29 (67.4) | – | – | – | – | – | 14 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 29 successful, 14 no response transfer to surgery | 3 esophageal perforation | 3 (1.7) |
| GERD (10/43) | |||||||||||||||||||
| EoE (8/43) | |||||||||||||||||||
| CES (4/43) | |||||||||||||||||||
| others (7/43) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 50 | Anderson BT et al. (77) | 2018 | USA | 24 | Epidermolysis bullosa | NA | – | 24 | 231 | NA | – | – | – | – | – | – | NA | 0 | 0 |
| 51 | Lange B et al. (78) | 2018 | Germany | 13 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | – | – | – | 13 | – | – | – | – | – | 8 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 52 | Osuga T et al. (79) | 2018 | Japan | 14 | Anastomotic stricture (9/14) | NA | – | 14 | NA | 14 (100.0) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 14 successful | 1 mediastinitis | 0 |
| GERD (3/14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (2/14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 53 | Ghobrial CM et al. (80) | 2018 | Egypt | 120 | Corrosive stricture | Refractory long stricture (>3 cm) | 60 | – | – | 24 (40.0) | – | – | – | – | 60 | – | 73 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 54 | Manfredi MA et al. (3) | 2018 | USA | 57 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | – | – | – | – | 57 | – | – | – | – | 44 successful | 3 esophageal leak (total 133 EIT sessions) | 3 (2.3) |
| 55 | Romero Manteola EJ et al. (81) | 2018 | Argentina | 11 | CES | NA | – | 7 | 12 | 6 (85.7) | – | – | – | – | – | 4 patients underwent esophageal surgery (including 1 perforation after dilation) | 11successful | 1 esophageal perforation | 1 (8.3) |
| 56 | Madadi-Sanjani O et al. (82) |
2018 | Germany | 11 | Esophageal atresia (9/11) | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 11 | 2 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 6 successful, 5 no response (2 of 5 transfer to surgery) | 0 | 0 |
| Corrosive stricture (2/11) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 57 | Tharavej C et al. (83) | 2018 | Thailand | 55 | Corrosive stricture | NA | 55 | – | 323 | 14 (25.5) | – | – | – | – | – | 38 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 46 successful | 8 esophageal perforation | 8 (14.5) |
| 58 | Divarci E et al. (84) | 2017 | Turkey | 20 | Corrosive stricture (14/20) | 10 short stricture, 10 long stricture | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 20 | – | 16 successful | 0 | 0 |
| Anastomotic stricture (5/20) | |||||||||||||||||||
| CES (1/20) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 59 | Suzuhigashi M et al. (85) | 2017 | Japan | 40 | CES | NA | – | 36 | NA | 18 (44.5) | – | – | – | – | – | 18 patients underwent esophageal surgery (3 primary, 15 secondary to dilation) | 33 successful, 7 persistent symptoms | 7 esophageal perforation | 7 (17.5) |
| 60 | WooR et al. (86) | 2017 | USA | 2 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | – | – | – | 2 | – | 2 | – | – | – | 2 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 61 | Kahaleker V et al. (87) | 2017 | India | 11 | Peptic stricture (3/11) | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 11 | – | – | – | – | – | 6 successful, 5 no response | 0 | 0 |
| Corrosive stricture (6/11) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Post-sclerotherapy stricture (2/11) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 62 | Woynarowski M et al. (88) | 2017 | Poland | 5 | Corrosive stricture | Recurrent stricture | – | – | – | – | 5 | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent esophageal surgery | 4 successful, 1 intolerance transfer to surgery | 0 | 0 |
| 63 | Menard-Katcher C et al. (89) |
2017 | USA | 40 | EoE | NA | NA | NA | 68 | 37 (92.5) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 37 successful, 3 no response | 0 | 0 |
| 64 | Stenström P et al. (90) | 2017 | Sweden | 60 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | 60 | 306 | 54 (90.0) | – | – | – | – | – | 6 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 54 successful, 6 no response transfer to surgery | 0 | 0 |
| 65 | Zhou WZ et al. (91) | 2017 | Korea | 62 | Corrosive stricture (8/62) | NA | – | 62 | 129 | 55 (88.7) | 1 | – | – | – | – | 6 patients underwent esophageal surgery | 55 successful, 7 clinical failure (6 surgery, 1 stent placement) | 22 esophageal perforation | 22 (17.1) |
| CES (7/62) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Anastomotic stricture (45/62) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Others (2/62) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 66 | AI-Hussaini A (92) | 2016 | Saudi Arabia | 11 | EoE | 6 short stricture, 5 long stricture | 10 | – | 19 | 8 (80) | – | – | – | – | – | – | 8 successful, 2 of them relapsed after dilation | 0 | 0 |
| 67 | Alberca de Las Parras F et al. (93) | 2016 | Spain | 4 | Anastomotic or corrosive stricture | Refractory stricture | – | – | – | – | 4 | – | – | – | – | – | 1 successful, 3 partial or temporary response, 1 no response and esophageal ulceration | 0 | 0 |
| 68 | Raitio A et al. (21) | 2016 | UK | 137 | Anastomotic stricture | NA | – | 137 | 625 | 99 (74.0) | – | – | – | – | – | 1 patient underwent esophageal surgery | 99 successful, 37 partially successful, 1 no response transfer to surgery | 1 esophageal perforation | 1 (0.7) |
| 69 | Runge TM et al. (94) | 2016 | USA | 164 | EoE | NA | NA | NA | 486 | 108 (87) | – | – | – | NA | – | – | 108 successful | 0 | 0 |
| 70 | Nijhawan S et al. (95) | 2016 | India | 11 | NA | 7 single stricture, 4 multiple stricture | 11 | – | NA | – | – | – | – | 11 | – | – | All successful | 0 | 0 |
| 71 | Cakmak M et al. (96) | 2016 | Turkey | 38 | Anastomotic stricture (19/38) | NA | – | 38 | NA | 23 (60.5) | – | – | – | 8 | – | – | 23 successful, 9 no response, 6 lost to follow-up | 4 esophageal perforation | 4 (10.5) |
| Corrosive stricture (19/38) | |||||||||||||||||||
CES, congenital esophageal stenosis; EIT, endoscopic incisional therapy; EoE, eosinophilic esophagitis; ES, esophageal stricture; GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease; MMC, mitomycin C; NA, not available; POEM, peroral endoscopic myotomy; TEF, tracheoesophageal fistula.
Endoscopic dilations
Endoscopic dilation is the initial choice for most patients, owing to its relatively low risk and positive efficacy. The two common types of dilators used are guidewire-directed bougie dilators and through-the-scope balloon dilators. Balloon dilators apply a uniform radial force across the stricture, whereas bougie exert both radial and longitudinal shear forces (25). Bougie dilators allow the operator to assess the degree of resistance during dilation and help in determining bougie size in subsequent dilations. They can be used for simple strictures and proximal ES, especially anastomotic strictures (2). Balloon dilation allows direct visualization during the procedure and can be performed under fluoroscopic or endoscopic guidance. Fluoroscopic dilation is usually performed by interventional radiologists, while endoscopic dilation is performed by gastroenterologists (25). An absolute contraindication to dilation is esophageal perforation. A retrospective analysis of 60 pediatric patients with ES treated with bougie dilation reported favorable outcomes in Groups A (peptic stricture, 70%), B (caustic stricture, 50%), and C (strictures following EA surgery, 50%). Additionally, 71.6% of strictures were impassable during the first expansion; however, subsequent dilations enabled passage in 86.6% of the impassable strictures (97). He et al. (39) evaluated 75 patients with postoperative anastomotic stenosis following EA, who underwent a total of 210 bougie dilations (median of three dilations per patient). The overall effectiveness was 98.67% (74/75), with complications including perforation in two patients (0.95%) and evident bleeding in three patients (1.43%). In a Turkish study involving 44 ES cases, mostly due to corrosive ingestion or anastomosis (72.2%), 52.6% were treated with Savary-Gilliard bougie while the remaining patients were treated with balloon dilators. The complication rates for the balloon and bougie dilation sessions were 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively (44). Kahriman et al. (52) retrospectively reviewed 375 balloon dilation procedures in 116 patients, reporting a clinical success rate of 85% per patients, with an overall complication rate of 0.5% per procedure and a perforation rate of 0.25%. Another study compared the efficacy and safety of endoscopic and radiologic balloon dilations in ES treatment and revealed that both methods were equally effective; however, radiologic dilations were associated with a significantly higher complication rate (25). Overall, no significant differences in safety and efficacy have been found between bougie and balloon dilators in pediatric patients according to retrospective studies (4,98). Therefore, the choice of dilator is based on the clinician’s preference, local expertise, and equipment availability. Additionally, complex strictures that are longer than 2 cm, irregular, angular, or with a narrowed lumen require multiple dilations and are associated with higher recurrence rates (28). In patients with anastomotic strictures following EA repair, factors such as repeated balloon dilation, older age, and eccentric stricture shape are associated with a poor response to esophageal balloon dilation (47). Predictors of dilation failure requiring stricture resection include long-gap EA, stricture length ≥10 mm, prior anastomotic leakage, and the requirement for ≥7 balloon dilations (1,99). The most frequently reported complications of esophageal dilation are perforation, hemorrhage, and bacteremia.
Both dilation techniques should start with small diameter dilation and progress slowly at each session until the target diameter or resolution of symptoms is achieved, that is, “start small and go slow”. The “rule of three” is routinely applied during each dilation session: dilate maximal up to three times the diameter of stenosis, with an average of three dilations and a minimal period of three weeks between two dilation sessions. Generally, the balloon is 1 to 2 mm larger than the narrowed opening according to the preoperative assessment, and performed no more than three minutes and three dilations in 1 mm increments per session is recommended (23,100). When serial dilations are required, the common practice is to limit the dilation to no more than 3 mm per session (101). Endoscopic dilation is a therapeutic method for managing ES, rings, and narrow-caliber esophagi in EoE. However, dilation cannot improve esophageal inflammation or ongoing mucosal damage, so inflammation should be controlled before initiating dilation. Nonetheless, in cases of medication nonadherence or lack of response to medication, high-grade stenosis, or recurrent food impaction, esophageal dilation may be considered before inflammation control (22,23).
Esophageal stenting
Esophageal stent placement offers potential benefits because of its continuous expansion force, which may lead to stricture remodeling and effectively reduce bleeding and perforation risks. Nitinol fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) are widely used for the endoscopic therapy of ES in adults. However, esophageal stent placement is generally considered a second-line treatment owing to its relatively high rate of adverse events and cost. It is recommended for refractory ES, esophageal fistulas, and perforations (102). In 2021, the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy were established for the use of esophageal stents in both benign and malignant diseases in adults (102). In contrast, significant heterogeneity exists in pediatric stenting practices owing to the variety of stent types and sizes used, and no clear guidelines currently exist for esophageal stenting in children.
The most common stents include FCSEMS, self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), and silastic esophageal stents, although biodegradable stents (BDS) were reported as well (48). Esophageal stents are ideally used for strictures located in the middle or lower segments of the esophagus. If the stricture is too high, the stent may compress the airway, causing frequent coughing and breathing difficulties, and may also interfere with the upper esophageal sphincter, resulting in frequent vomiting and dysphagia. Conversely, if the stricture is too low, the risks of GERD and aspiration after stent placement are high. A study reported that stent therapy successfully prevented surgical stricture resection at the site of EA repair in 41% of a pediatric cohort (49 patients), with good long-term follow-up (53). The same study also found that when the stricture recoiled to greater than 4 mm between the time of stent removal and subsequent endoscopy, the odds of the stricture being refractory and requiring surgical stricture resection increased (53). A systematic review of 340 pediatric patients across 18 studies revealed that stenting was successful in 54% of the participants, partially successful in 28% (requiring additional dilations or pharmacological therapy), and ineffective in 14% (48). Major complications included stent migration or displacement (45 cases), severe gastroesophageal reflux (18 cases), perforations (15 cases), aortic or subclavian lesions (4 cases), airway disorders (4 cases), fistula (3 cases), pneumonia (2 cases), and 1 case each of mediastinitis, cervical abscess, and deep ulceration (48). Wang et al. (55) reported successful FCSEMS placement in 14 pediatric patients with either perforation or refractory strictures. During the 5 to 83 months’ follow-up, dysphagia was significantly alleviated in 13 patients, with Ogilvie and Atkinson scores improving from grades III–IV to 0–I. The stricture diameter expanded from 2–5 mm pre-treatment to 9–14 mm after stenting. Yen et al. (63) reported successful retrograde esophageal stenting for ES following EA repair in a 3-month-old girl. The case involved a complication after esophageal dilation that may have precluded subsequent endoscopic therapy because the guidewire could not pass through the oral route. Awolaran et al. (64) reported their experience with BDS in three children with severe refractory ES, none of whom showed clinical benefit. Although the advantage of avoiding the need to remove the stent is attractive in pediatrics, BDS have yet to be proven as effective options. Currently, no consensus exists regarding the optimal stent dwell time in pediatrics, and patient’s comfort is a crucial factor affecting the duration of stent placement. Many children experience discomfort during the first 24–72 h after placement, but their tolerance improves over time. Adverse events include stent migration, esophageal ulceration, chest pain, granulation tissue formation, retching, aspiration, breathing difficulty, esophageal perforation, and stent erosion into the vasculature or airway (1). The most common complications are stent migration, granulation tissue formation and stenosis recurrence, which often necessitate stent replacement or change to other methods (48).
Endoscopic incisional therapy (EIT)
EIT shows promise as an adjunct treatment option for pediatric refractory ES and may be considered before surgical resection. EIT involves single or multiple radial cuts of the ES using an electrosurgical knife passed through the working channel of an endoscope. This technique is typically reserved for short strictures, particularly when a hard or fibrotic, rather than soft or inflammatory, “ring” or “shelf” is identified (4). Patients with asymmetric strictures may particularly benefit from EIT (3,4).
According to a study in which 21 of 36 patients with CES underwent EIT, total or partial oral feeding was achieved more frequently in patients treated with EIT than in those who received non-EIT therapeutic endoscopy (81% vs. 38%, respectively). In contrast, the need for surgical intervention was considerably lower in the EIT group (14% vs. 62%). EIT expands the therapeutic options for physicians and may help avoid surgical intervention in CES cases (67). Another study involving 57 patients demonstrated that EIT therapy was successful in 100% of cases with non-refractory anastomotic strictures and 61% of cases with refractory anastomotic strictures. The youngest patient was 3 months old, and the overall adverse event rate was 5.3% (3). The major complication of EIT was esophageal leak or perforation. However, given that the complication rate of EIT is higher than that of standard dilation, it should only be performed by experienced therapeutic endoscopists.
Pharmacological treatment
Systemic or intralesional steroids, including triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, and methylprednisolone, inhibit inflammatory responses, reduce collagen synthesis, and alleviate fibrosis and scar formation. Triamcinolone acetonide or acetate is typically injected into the four quadrants of the esophagus after endoscopic dilation, targeting the scar tissue or mucosal breaks (1). A meta-analysis of three randomized controlled trials involving adults with anastomotic strictures demonstrated that patients in the steroid group (n=72) required significantly fewer dilations than those in the placebo group (n=72) (103). Similarly, a retrospective case series of six children who had experienced multiple endoscopic dilations owing to recurrent anastomotic strictures following EA surgery revealed that intralesional steroid injection (ISI) combined with dilation was effective in five patients (83.3%) who eventually required no further dilations (20). Another study described ISI without dilation as the treatment for impassable caustic ES. ISI was administered to 340 patients during the initial endoscopy, conducted 6 weeks after corrosive ingestion. In 75% of cases, a second endoscopy 2 weeks later enabled successful dilation, suggesting that ISI is a feasible rescue therapy for impassable caustic strictures and may help avoid surgery (70). An international survey on anastomotic stricture management following EA repair analyzed responses from 115 centers across 32 countries. The preferred first-line adjunctive treatments for recurrent strictures were intralesional steroids and topical mitomycin C (MMC), which were used in 47% and 31% of the centers, respectively (30). However, current evidence does not clearly define the number of intralesional steroid sessions recommended per patient or the ideal treatment duration. Potential complications of ISI include adrenal suppression, perforation, intramural infection, candida infection, mediastinitis, and pleural effusion (20). In contrast, swallowed topical steroids, such as fluticasone or budesonide viscous formulations, are highly effective in inducing EoE remission and are preferred over systemic steroids because of their favorable safety profile (104). Nevertheless, a study involving 20 children with varying degrees of ES secondary to EoE reported that systemic steroid therapy led to clinical symptom improvement in all patients, with endoscopic evidence of stenosis regression in 19 cases. Only mild adverse effects were observed, suggesting that patients may benefit from short-term systemic steroids as an alternative to mechanical dilation (105).
Fibroblast proliferation and collagen formation are the crucial steps in the initiation of scar formation following mucosal injury. MMC can inhibit cell division, protein synthesis, and fibroblast proliferation, thereby reducing scar formation (51). A prospective controlled study in children with post-corrosive ES requiring esophageal dilation revealed a significant improvement in dysphagia grade in the group receiving MMC combined with dilation (106). Another study demonstrated that topical application of MMC on long strictures as an adjuvant therapy to endoscopic dilation achieved a success rate of 85.7%, reducing the need for esophageal replacement (107). In a prospective, randomized controlled trial by Sawires et al. (35), 61 children with a history of caustic ingestion were assigned to two groups: Group A (n=30) received topical MMC application within the initial 48 h, while Group B (n=31) received only conventional management. Complete response was achieved in 26 patients (86.7%) in Group A compared to 11 patients (35.5%) in Group B, highlighting the efficacy of early MMC application over conventional endoscopic dilation. The application of MMC was usually initiated 2 weeks after the first dilation session. Topical application through a multi-porous spray catheter placed on the injury under direct visualization. The most commonly used concentration is 0.4 mg/mL. Length of application in the studies varies from 1 to 5 minutes. Despite its therapeutic benefits in ES, MMC poses carcinogenic risks to normal mucosal tissue because of its chemotherapeutic nature. Moreover, reference standards for its optimal frequency of use or total dosage have not been established.
Gastric acid-induced reflux esophagitis causes collagen and fibrous tissue deposition, leading to stricture formation. Persistent acid exposure of the esophagus results in fibrosis, contributing to the development of benign refractory strictures. Therefore, protecting the esophageal mucosa barrier from acid reflux can be achieved through gastric acid suppression. Proton pump inhibitors are the most commonly used acid-suppressing agents. Additionally, sucralfate can provide a mechanical barrier by coating the esophageal mucosa at the site of injury, thereby preventing further injury. In a study by Akhijahani et al (108), 60 children with esophageal burns due to the ingestion of caustic agents were divided into two groups. The incidence of ES was significantly lower in the sucralfate intervention group than in the standard treatment group (37% vs. 67%, P=0.042). However, relevant literature is scarce, and further verification is needed.
Magnetic recanalization
Magnetic recanalization is a novel and effective treatment for children with refractory ES. Although it has been applied in some international medical centers, unified management and standardized clinical procedures are lacking. Indications for magnetic recanalization include: (I) various types of ES (postoperative, congenital, or burn-related) generally <2 cm and 2–3 cm can be attempted; and (II) EA up to 3 cm cannot be attempted. Contraindications include: (I) combined esophagotracheal fistula, (II) combined esophageal perforation, (III) stenosis exceeding 4 cm in length, and (IV) ectopic tracheal cartilage in CES (109). The operation process includes: the upper magnet is placed in the upper esophageal pouch and is attached to an orogastric suction tube that controls secretions, while the lower magnet is advanced into the lower esophageal pouch (usually through a gastrostomy). Then two magnets naturally meet and quickly compresses the scar tissue in the stenosis (110). A study reviewed the use of neodymium-iron-boron magnets for treating refractory strictures in two surgical candidates. Magnets were left in place for 7–10 days to achieve esophageal patency, followed by the placement of self-expanding stents, and both patients achieved durable esophageal patency (86).
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment of ES includes resection of the stenotic segment, followed by end-to-end anastomosis and esophageal replacement. Resection with anastomosis is applicable to tracheobronchial remnants or short-segment stenosis (≤2 cm) that are unresponsive to repeated endoscopic treatments (57,85,111). Esophageal replacement is considered for long-segment fibromuscular thickening or corrosive ES that is unresponsive to multiple endoscopic treatments (106). Currently, the commonly used esophageal substitution surgeries include colonic interposition, gastric pull-up, gastric tube reconstruction, and small intestine interposition. The main postoperative complications include anastomotic leak or strictures, infection, and secondary reflux (112).
Conclusions
Esophageal dilation is generally regarded as the preferred and most effective treatment method for various ES types, provided there are no contraindications. Various minimally invasive endoscopic techniques have demonstrated promising outcomes in ES treatment and may help pediatric patients avoid surgery. Moreover, many serious complications related to endoscopy have a relatively low incidence rate, and conservative treatment can be attempted to actively save the situation. Surgical intervention is the final choice when other endoscopic techniques have failed or there are severe complications, because it may fail to produce durable response and secondary anastomotic strictures still require ongoing dilation. Based on the literature review and our experience of treating ES, we have proposed an algorithm for the treatment (Figure 1). However, inconsistencies in several crucial definitions, such as refractory or recurrent stenosis, and the criteria for age-appropriate esophageal lumen, have hindered the comparability of existing studies. Currently, no universally accepted consensus exists for the management of refractory or recurrent stenosis. Most existing studies are retrospective and vary in their definition of key concepts, further limiting their comparability. In the future, more prospective controlled studies examining pediatric populations are needed. Moreover, the management of refractory strictures requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a wide range of specialties, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, and radiologists.
Acknowledgments
None.
Footnote
Peer Review File: Available at https://tp.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tp-2025-540/prf
Funding: This study was funded by
Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tp.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tp-2025-540/coif). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
References
- Shahein AR, Krasaelap A, Ng K, et al. Esophageal Dilation in Children: A State of the Art Review. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023;76:1-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Fugazza A, Repici A. Endoscopic Management of Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures. Dysphagia 2021;36:504-16. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Manfredi MA, Clark SJ, Medford S, et al. Endoscopic Electrocautery Incisional Therapy as a Treatment for Refractory Benign Pediatric Esophageal Strictures. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2018;67:464-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Angelino G, Tambucci R, Torroni F, et al. New therapies for esophageal strictures in children. Curr Opin Pediatr 2021;33:503-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Abad MRA, Fujiyoshi Y, Inoue H. Flexible endoscopic strategies for the difficult esophageal stricture. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2020;36:379-84. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Trappey AF 3rd, Hirose S. Esophageal duplication and congenital esophageal stenosis. Semin Pediatr Surg 2017;26:78-86. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Terui K, Saito T, Mitsunaga T, et al. Endoscopic management for congenital esophageal stenosis: A systematic review. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2015;7:183-91. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Mezoff EA, Williams KC, Erdman SH. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the Neonate. Clin Perinatol 2020;47:413-22. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Braungart S, Peters RT, Lansdale N, et al. Congenital oesophageal stenosis in oesophageal atresia: underrecognised and often missed? Pediatr Surg Int 2022;38:331-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Yabe K, Matsuoka A, Nakata C, et al. Mini-probe endoscopic ultrasound for the diagnosis of congenital esophageal or duodenal stenosis. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2001;50:177-85. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tran C, Nunez C, Eslick GD, et al. Complications of button battery ingestion or insertion in children: a systematic review and pooled analysis of individual patient-level data. World J Pediatr 2024;20:1017-28. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Hamersley ERS, Baldassari C. Pediatric Esophageal Dysphagia. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 2024;57:581-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Boscarelli A, Fiorenza V, Chiaro A, et al. Esophageal Stricture as a Complication After Scald Injury in Children. J Burn Care Res 2020;41:734-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Yokoyama S, Hashimoto S, Nishibori S, et al. Successful Antimicrobial Therapy of Esophageal Stenosis Because of Actinomycosis. Pediatrics 2024;153:e2023062823. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zain M, Abdelmalak M, Waheeb S, et al. Esophageal ganglioneuromatosis; a rare cause of intractable esophageal stenosis: a case report. BMC Pediatr 2024;24:456. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Uygun I, Bayram S. Corrosive ingestion managements in children. Esophagus 2020;17:365-75. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Hoffman RS, Burns MM, Gosselin S. Ingestion of Caustic Substances. N Engl J Med 2020;382:1739-48. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Chirica M, Bonavina L, Kelly MD, et al. Caustic ingestion. Lancet 2017;389:2041-52. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sethia R, Gibbs H, Jacobs IN, et al. Current management of button battery injuries. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021;6:549-63. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ten Kate CA, Vlot J, Sloots CEJ, et al. The effect of intralesional steroid injections on esophageal strictures and the child as whole: A case series. J Pediatr Surg 2020;55:646-50. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Raitio A, Cresner R, Smith R, et al. Fluoroscopic balloon dilatation for anastomotic strictures in patients with esophageal atresia: A fifteen-year single centre UK experience. J Pediatr Surg 2016;51:1426-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Muir A, Falk GW. Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Review. JAMA 2021;326:1310-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Amil-Dias J, Oliva S, Papadopoulou A, et al. Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: An update from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024;79:394-437. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Nita AF, Chanpong A, Nikaki K, et al. Recent advances in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders in children. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023;17:1285-300. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Marom A, Davidovics Z, Bdolah-Abram T, et al. Endoscopic versus fluoroscopic esophageal dilatations in children with esophageal strictures: 10-year experience. Dis Esophagus 2022;36:doac048. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Fang SB. Endoscopic balloon dilatation in pediatric patients with esophageal strictures: From the past to the future. Pediatr Neonatol 2019;60:119-20. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sami SS, Haboubi HN, Ang Y, et al. UK guidelines on oesophageal dilatation in clinical practice. Gut 2018;67:1000-23. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Rana SS, Sharma R, Kishore K, et al. High-frequency miniprobe endoscopic ultrasonography in the management of benign esophageal strictures. Ann Gastroenterol 2020;33:25-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Oh JE, Huang L, Takakura W, et al. Safety and Tolerability of High-Resolution Esophageal Manometry in Children and Adults. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023;14:e00571. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ten Kate CA, Tambucci R, Vlot J, et al. An international survey on anastomotic stricture management after esophageal atresia repair: considerations and advisory statements. Surg Endosc 2021;35:3653-61. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Shimizu T, Fenn M, Pandji P, et al. Oesophageal dilatation for the anastomotic stricture post trachea-oesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia repair. Pediatr Surg Int 2025;41:264. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Irlayıcı FI, Elmas A, Akcam M. Corrosive substance ingestion in children: clinical features, management and outcomes in a tertiary care setting. Eur J Pediatr 2025;184:549. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zhang Y, Han X, Bi Y. Comparison between bougie and balloon dilation of benign esophageal strictures in infants and children. Am J Otolaryngol 2025;46:104715. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Taher H, Amgad A, Magdi A, et al. Outcomes of transhiatal colon bypass with or without esophagectomy for establishing continuity after corrosive esophageal burns in pediatric patients. Esophagus 2025;22:467-74. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sawires H, Aeskander A, El-Sayed M, et al. Early topical mitomycin-C prevents stricture formation in children with caustic ingestion. J Paediatr Child Health 2024;60:402-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Xu G, Jia D, Chen J, et al. Esophageal button battery impactions in children: an analysis of 89 cases. BMC Pediatr 2024;24:388. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zerbib P, Lailheugue A, Labreuche J, et al. Can we predict the risk of esophageal stricture after caustic injury? Dis Esophagus 2024;37:doae001. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Maher A, De Coppi P, Blackburn S, et al. Short and Medium Term Outcomes of Open and Laparoscopic Assisted Oesophageal Replacement Procedures. J Pediatr Surg 2024;59:192-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- He XQ, Xiong LJ, Deng XZ, et al. The effectiveness and factors influencing frequency of endoscopic bougie dilatation in treating postoperative anastomotic stenosis of congenital esophageal atresia. Front Pediatr 2024;12:1463165. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Atıcı A, Miçooğulları L, Uğur B, et al. Accidental ingestion of concentrated white vinegar in Hatay children in Turkey. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2023;74:288-91. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sabrine BY, Messaoud M, Samia B, et al. Outcomes of pneumatic dilation in pediatric caustic esophageal strictures: a descriptive and analytic study from a developing country. Surg Endosc 2023;37:9291-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Walker H, Salim A, Smith C, et al. Developing balloon dilatation sizing guidance for anastomotic stricture dilatation following oesophageal atresia repair. Pediatr Surg Int 2023;39:252. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Kamran A, Smithers CJ, Izadi SN, et al. Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Anastomotic Stricture After Repair of Esophageal Atresia. J Pediatr Surg 2023;58:2375-83. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Fakıoglu E, Güney LH, Ötgün İ. Esophageal dilation through bouginage or balloon catheters in children, as the treatment of benign esophageal strictures: results, considering the etiology, and the methods. Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg 2023;29:574-81. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Patterson KN, Beyene TJ, Gil LA, et al. Procedural and Surgical Interventions for Esophageal Stricture Secondary to Caustic Ingestion in Children. J Pediatr Surg 2023;58:1631-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Vorster J, von Delft D, Arnold M, et al. Colon patch esophagoplasty for esophageal strictures refractory to multi-modal treatment revisited. Pediatr Surg Int 2022;39:53. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Lee SB, Choi YH, Kim SH, et al. Factors influencing outcomes of esophageal balloon dilatation for anastomosis site stenosis after esophageal atresia surgery. Pediatr Radiol 2023;53:349-57. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sohouli MH, Alimadadi H, Rohani P, et al. Esophageal Stents for the Management of Benign Esophageal Strictures in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies. Dysphagia 2023;38:744-55. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Huang Z, Cheng F, Wei W. Endoscopic radial incision to treat a congenital esophageal stenosis in a 10-year-old child. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2022;114:751-2. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ferreira-Silva J, Rodrigues-Pinto E, Vilas-Boas F, et al. Biliary stent placement with modified Shim technique in a child with tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal stricture. Endoscopy 2022;54:E904-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Aragón S, Valero J, Padilla L, et al. Predictors of clinical response of esophageal dilatations in pediatric population. J Pediatr Surg 2022;57:1127-31. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Kahriman G, Hosgecin C, Herdem N, et al. Fluoroscopy-guided balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures in children: 11-year experience. Pediatr Radiol 2022;52:977-84. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Baghdadi O, Yasuda J, Staffa S, et al. Predictors and Outcomes of Fully Covered Stent Treatment for Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures in Esophageal Atresia. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2022;74:221-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Kılıç ŞS, Serdar İskit H. Management and clinical outcomes of congenital esophageal stenosis in pediatric patients: Experience of a tertiary referral center. J Pediatr Surg 2022;57:518-25. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Wang X, Liu H, Hu Z, et al. Individually designed fully covered self-expandable metal stents for pediatric refractory benign esophageal strictures. Sci Rep 2021;11:22575. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Losada G CL, Rodríguez G H, Valenzuela P V, et al. Stent for the management of Esophagic Stenosis by caustics in pediatry. Andes Pediatr 2021;92:434-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Walter R, Moreno M, Pedraza M, et al. Thoracoscopic management of congenital esophageal stenosis secondary to tracheobronchial remnant in pediatric patients. Cir Pediatr 2021;34:134-7.
- El-Asmar KM, Youssef AA, Abdel-Latif M. The Effectiveness of Combined Balloon and Bougie Dilatation Technique in Children with Impassable Esophageal Stricture. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2021;31:724-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Mochizuki K, Yokoi A, Urushihara N, et al. Characteristics and treatment of congenital esophageal stenosis: A retrospective collaborative study from three Japanese children’s hospitals. J Pediatr Surg 2021;56:1771-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Jiang Y, Pan W, Wu W, et al. Laparoscopic-Assisted Longitudinal Incision and Transverse Anastomosis: A Novel Surgical Approach for Treatment of Esophageal Stenosis Caused by Tracheobronchial Remnants. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2021;31:343-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Raboei E, Alabdali A, Sayed MH, et al. The Outcome of Pediatric Esophageal Strictures Managed with Endoscopic Balloon Dilation in Saudi Arabia. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2021;31:210-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- El-Asmar KM, Allam AM. Predictors of successful endoscopic management of caustic esophageal strictures in children: When to stop the dilatations? J Pediatr Surg 2021;56:1596-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Yen HH, Fu YW, Hsu YJ. Retrograde esophageal stenting for esophageal stenosis following esophageal atresia repair. Endoscopy 2021;53:E370-1. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Awolaran O, McGuirk S, Arul GS. Biodegradable Stents in the Management of Refractory Esophageal Strictures in Children. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2020;30:919-22. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Dai DL, Zhang CX, Zou YG, et al. Predictors of outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilatation in strictures after esophageal atresia repair: A retrospective study. World J Gastroenterol 2020;26:1080-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tarek S, Mohsen N, Abd El-Kareem D, et al. Factors affecting the outcome of endoscopic dilatation in refractory post-corrosive oesophageal stricture in Egyptian children: a single-centre study. Esophagus 2020;17:330-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Yasuda JL, Staffa SJ, Clark SJ, et al. Endoscopic incisional therapy and other novel strategies for effective treatment of congenital esophageal stenosis. J Pediatr Surg 2020;55:2342-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Mochizuki K, Shinkai M, Kitagawa N, et al. Laparoscopic partial circular myectomy for congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnant. Asian J Endosc Surg 2020;13:592-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Davidson JR, McCluney S, Reddy K, et al. Pediatric Esophageal Dilatations: A Cross-Specialty Experience. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2020;30:206-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Abdelhay S, Mousa M, Elsherbeny MS. Corticosteroid injection of impassable caustic esophageal strictures without dilatation: Does it pave the way to interval endoscopic dilatation? J Pediatr Surg 2020;55:2348-51. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tandon S, Burnand KM, De Coppi P, et al. Self-expanding esophageal stents for the management of benign refractory esophageal strictures in children: A systematic review and review of outcomes at a single center. J Pediatr Surg 2019;54:2479-86. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ley D, Bridenne M, Gottrand F, et al. Efficacy and Safety of the Local Application of Mitomycin C to Recurrent Esophageal Strictures in Children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2019;69:528-32. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zeng WH, Jiang WL, Kang GJ, et al. Colon Interposition for Corrosive Esophageal Stricture: Single Institution Experience with 119 Cases. Curr Med Sci 2019;39:415-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Mark JA, Anderson BT, Pan Z, et al. Comparative Analysis of Adverse Events After Esophageal Balloon and Bougie Dilations in Children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2019;68:630-4. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Chang CH, Chao HC, Kong MS, et al. Clinical and nutritional outcome of pediatric esophageal stenosis with endoscopic balloon dilatation. Pediatr Neonatol 2019;60:141-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Al Sarkhy AA, Saeed A, Hamid YH, et al. Efficacy and safety of endoscopic dilatation in the management of esophageal strictures in children. Saudi Med J 2018;39:787-91. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Anderson BT, Feinstein JA, Kramer RE, et al. Approach and Safety of Esophageal Dilation for Treatment of Strictures in Children With Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2018;67:701-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Lange B, Sold M, Kähler G, et al. Experience with fully covered self-expandable metal stents for anastomotic stricture following esophageal atresia repair. Dis Esophagus 2018; [Crossref]
- Osuga T, Ikura Y, Hasegawa K, et al. Use of endoscopic balloon dilation for benign esophageal stenosis in children: our 11 year experience. Esophagus 2018;15:47-51. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ghobrial CM, Eskander AE. Prospective study of the effect of topical application of Mitomycin C in refractory pediatric caustic esophageal strictures. Surg Endosc 2018;32:4932-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Romero Manteola EJ, Ravetta P, et al. Congenital esophageal stenosis: diagnosis and treatment. Cases review. Arch Argent Pediatr 2018;116:e110-4. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Madadi-Sanjani O, Zimmer J, Gosemann JH, et al. Topical Mitomycin C Application in Pediatric Patients with Recurrent Esophageal Strictures-Report on Unfavorable Results. Eur J Pediatr Surg 2018;28:539-46. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Tharavej C, Pungpapong SU, Chanswangphuvana P. Outcome of dilatation and predictors of failed dilatation in patients with acid-induced corrosive esophageal strictures. Surg Endosc 2018;32:900-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Divarci E, Kilic O, Dokumcu Z, et al. Topical Mitomycin C Application Is Effective Even in Esophageal Strictures Resistant to Dilatation Therapy in Children. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech 2017;27:e96-e100. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Suzuhigashi M, Kaji T, Noguchi H, et al. Current characteristics and management of congenital esophageal stenosis: 40 consecutive cases from a multicenter study in the Kyushu area of Japan. Pediatr Surg Int 2017;33:1035-40. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Woo R, Wong CM, Trimble Z, et al. Magnetic Compression Stricturoplasty For Treatment of Refractory Esophageal Strictures in Children: Technique and Lessons Learned. Surg Innov 2017;24:432-9. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Kahalekar V, Gupta DT, Bhatt P, et al. Fully covered self-expanding metallic stent placement for benign refractory esophageal strictures. Indian J Gastroenterol 2017;36:197-201. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Woynarowski M, Dądalski M, Wojno V, et al. Double Lumen Polyamide Tube-stent for the Treatment of Recurrent Postcorrosive Esophageal Stenosis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017;64:696-700. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Menard-Katcher C, Furuta GT, Kramer RE. Dilation of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Adverse Events and Short-term Outcomes. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017;64:701-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Stenström P, Anderberg M, Börjesson A, et al. Dilations of anastomotic strictures over time after repair of esophageal atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 2017;33:191-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Zhou WZ, Song HY, Park JH, et al. Incidence and management of oesophageal ruptures following fluoroscopic balloon dilatation in children with benign strictures. Eur Radiol 2017;27:105-12. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Al-Hussaini A. Savary Dilation Is Safe and Effective Treatment for Esophageal Narrowing Related to Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2016;63:474-80. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Alberca de Las Parras F, Navalón Rubio M, Egea Valenzuela J. Management of refractory esophageal stenosis in the pediatric age. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2016;108:627-36. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Runge TM, Eluri S, Cotton CC, et al. Outcomes of Esophageal Dilation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Safety, Efficacy, and Persistence of the Fibrostenotic Phenotype. Am J Gastroenterol 2016;111:206-13. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Nijhawan S, Udawat HP, Nagar P. Aggressive bougie dilatation and intralesional steroids is effective in refractory benign esophageal strictures secondary to corrosive ingestion. Dis Esophagus 2016;29:1027-31. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Cakmak M, Boybeyi O, Gollu G, et al. Endoscopic balloon dilatation of benign esophageal strictures in childhood: a 15-year experience. Dis Esophagus 2016;29:179-84. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Lakhdar-Idrissi M, Khabbache K, Hida M. Esophageal endoscopic dilations. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2012;54:744-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ravich WJ. The Art of Endoscopic Dilation: Lessons Learned Over 4 Decades of Practice. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2021;50:737-50. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Yasuda JL, Taslitsky GN, Staffa SJ, et al. Utility of repeated therapeutic endoscopies for pediatric esophageal anastomotic strictures. Dis Esophagus 2020;33:doaa031. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Boregowda U, Goyal H, Mann R, et al. Endoscopic management of benign recalcitrant esophageal strictures. Ann Gastroenterol 2021;34:287-99. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Aceves SS, Alexander JA, Baron TH, et al. Endoscopic approach to eosinophilic esophagitis: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Consensus Conference. Gastrointest Endosc 2022;96:576-592.e1. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Ebigbo A, Karstensen JG, Aabakken L, et al. Esophageal stenting for benign and malignant disease: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Cascade Guideline. Endosc Int Open 2019;7:E833-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Dasari CS, Jegadeesan R, Patel HK, et al. Intralesional steroids and endoscopic dilation for anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis. Endoscopy 2020;52:721-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Dhar A, Haboubi HN, Attwood SE, et al. British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) joint consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic oesophagitis in children and adults. Gut 2022;71:1459-87. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Hoofien A, Rea F, Espinheira MDC, et al. Systemic steroids have a role in treating esophageal strictures in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021;53:324-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Sweed AS, Fawaz SA, Ezzat WF, et al. A prospective controlled study to assess the use of mitomycin C in improving the results of esophageal dilatation in post corrosive esophageal stricture in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2015;79:23-5. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- El-Asmar KM, Hassan MA, Abdelkader HM, et al. Topical mitomycin C can effectively alleviate dysphagia in children with long-segment caustic esophageal strictures. Dis Esophagus 2015;28:422-7. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Akhijahani RF, Farahmand F, Rahmani P, et al. Effectiveness of sucralfate in preventing esophageal stricture in children after ingestion of caustic agents. Eur J Pediatr 2023;182:2591-6. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Liu S, Lyu YScientific Committee of the Third International Conference of Magnetic Surgery. Expert consensus on treating esophageal stenosis in children by magnetic recanalization. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022;135:796-8. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Hall A, Emil S, Elhafid M, et al. The Canadian Experience With Magnetic Esophageal Anastomosis: A Report From the Canadian Consortium for Research in Pediatric Surgery (CanCORPS). J Pediatr Surg 2025;60:162150. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Brzački V, Mladenović B, Jeremić L, et al. Congenital esophageal stenosis: a rare malformation of the foregut. Nagoya J Med Sci 2019;81:535-47. [Crossref] [PubMed]
- Saleem M, Iqbal A, Ather U, et al. 14 Years’ experience of esophageal replacement surgeries. Pediatr Surg Int 2020;36:835-41. [Crossref] [PubMed]

