Efficacy of Gastric Balloon Dilatation and/or Retrievable Stent Insertion for Pyloric Spasms after Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy: Retrospective Analysis

We retrospectively investigated the feasibility and clinical efficacy of balloon dilatation and subsequent retrievable stent insertion, when necessitated, for pyloric spasms after pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG). Forty-five patients experiencing pyloric spasms after PPG underwent fluoroscopic balloon dilations to alleviate obstructive symptoms due to delayed gastric emptying. Patients showing poor response to balloon dilation underwent subsequent retrievable stent insertion. Safety of the procedures was analyzed, and subjective symptoms and objective signs of pyloric spasms were analyzed and compared before and after treatment. Thirty-three patients (73.3%, 33/45) showed good response to balloon dilatation requiring no further treatment (balloon group). Conversely, 12 patients (26.7%, 12/45) showed poor or no response after balloon dilation requiring subsequent stent insertion (stent group). Balloon dilations and/or stent insertions were safely performed in all patients except one patient who suffered a transmural tear after balloon dilatation. In both groups, mean subjective symptom score was significantly improved and mean pyloric canal-to-height of the adjacent vertebral body ratio was significantly increased after the procedures (P < .05). Balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment for patients with pyloric spasms after PPG. In patients refractory to balloon dilations, retrievable stent placement can be a safe alternative tool.