Complications associated with the use of esophageal compression balloons

The records of fifty patients treated with compression balloons at Highland Alameda County Hospital from 1955 to 1961 were reviewed. Nine patients (18 per cent) suffered severe complications, and six of these died (12 per cent). The complications included esophageal and gastric ulceration, occlusion of the airway in the pharynx, bronchial aspiration and rupture of the esophagus. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of these complications have been discussed. The means of prevention of certain complications has been stressed. Case reports have been used to illustrate the various complications.