Dilation of proximal esophageal strictures following therapy for head and neck cancer: Experience with savary gilliard dilators

Background There is little information on dilation of proximal strictures following surgical and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. We studied the feasibility and efficacy of dilating proximal strictures following therapy for head and neck cancer using Savary Gilliard dilators. Methods Twenty‐one consecutive patients with proximal strictures resulting from surgery and/or radiation therapy of head and neck cancer were studied. Savary Gilliard dilation was performed using the standard and a modified method. Dysphagia was graded before and after dilation using a 5‐point scale. Results Technical success, dysphagia relief, complications, and duration of relief were noted. Technical success was achieved in 20 (95%) patients. Adequate dysphagia relief was obtained in 15/20 (75%) patients, which lasted for 4–36 weeks (median 14 weeks). There were no perforations, bleeding, or deaths. Four patients required repeat dilation after a median interval of 12 weeks. Conclusions Savary Gilliard dilation is a safe and effective method for dilating strictures caused by therapy for head and neck cancer. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.