Pneumatic dilation for the treatment of persistent post-laparoscopic fundoplication dysphagia: long-term efficacy and safety

Background Post-laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) dysphagia occurs in 5%-17% of patients and optimal management remains a topic of expert discussion. We assessed the efficacy and safety of pneumatic dilation (PD) in patients with persistent post-lLF dysphagia. Methods Medical files of patients treated with PD for persistent post-fundoplication-associated dysphagia were reviewed. The primary outcome was long-term clinical success. Secondary endpoints were initial clinical success, dysphagia recurrence rate, and PD-related complication incidence. Results Overall, 46 patients (74% women, 57.9 +/- 11.9 years) underwent 74 PD (mean: 1.6 +/- 0.8). A 30 mm, 35 mm, and 40 mm balloon was used in 45.9%, 43.2%, and 10.8%, respectively, of dilations. Among 45 patients with available follow-up, the overall long-term success rate of PD was 31/45 (68.9% [55.4-82.4]). Initial clinical success was 36/45 (80% [68.3-91.7]). Dysphagia recurred in 9 patients (25%; 95%CI 10.9-39.1) and 4 of these were effectively treated with a new dilation. Among 14 non-responders to PD, 11 underwent surgery. Four complications (2 perforations, 1 muscularis dilaceration, and 1 peri-procedural bleeding) occurred in 4 patients (incidence: 5.4% [95%CI; 0.3-10.6]) and were treated with partially covered self-expandable esophageal stents andhemostatic clips. Conclusions Pneumatic balloon dilation for post-fundoplication-associated symptoms is associated with a satisfactory long-term success rate and acceptable safety profile.