Use of a bougie-shaped cap for dilation with direct visual control for an esophageal stricture induced by radiation therapy

Bougies and balloons are two instruments commonly used for endoscopic dilation of benign strictures in the upper gastrointestinal tract, with similar efficacy [1]. However, these invasive strategies do not allow visual control of the operation during dilation of the stricture, and bleeding caused by the treatment itself prevents proper examination of the esophageal mucosa after the procedure. The BougieCap (Ovesco, Tübingen, Germany) is a recently developed dilation device that allows successful and safe endoscopic treatment of benign strictures [2].