Background: Gastric stenosis is a major problem after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for large early gastric cancer, but little is known about the incidence of adverse events associated with endoscopic dilation (ED) for stenosis caused by gastric ESD. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence and risk of bleeding and perforation associated with ED for gastric stenosis after ESD.
Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study conducted at a specialized center for treating cancer. A total of 342 procedures of wire-guided balloon ED were performed for stenosis after gastric ESD in 64 patients. The incidence of adverse events and related clinical characteristics was analyzed.
Results: The incidence of bleeding was 3.1% (2/64) per patient and 0.6% (2/342) per procedure. One bleeding case with incomplete cessation of antithrombotics before ED required blood transfusion. The incidence of perforation was 7.8% (5/64) per patient and 1.5% (5/342) per procedure. All perforations occurred in the lower part of the stomach. Two of the five perforation cases were inappropriate for nonoperative therapy, and thus, emergency surgery was performed. Among the other three perforation cases, one case required surgery for refractory stenosis and ED was continued in one case after nonoperative therapy.
Conclusions: The incidence of bleeding caused by ED for gastric stenosis after ESD was small. Although not significant, ED in the lower stomach presents a substantial risk of perforation.
Keywords: Endoscopic dilation; Endoscopic submucosal dissection; Gastric stenosis.