Dilatation of esophageal strictures in epidermolysis bullosa patients: a single center experience

Esophageal stricture is one of the most common gastrointestinal complication in epidermolysis bullosa patients. We describe the technique of esophageal stricture dilatation, with a focus on safety and procedural modifications. Case series of 6 patients diagnosed with epidermolysis bullosa who underwent esophageal dilatation in our unit. Type of epidermolysis bullosa, patient’s age, dilatation technique, dysphagia free interval and complications were recorded. Four females and two males underwent a total of 31 dilatations during a 4-year follow-up. Most common dilatation technique was “through-the-scope” with three-stage baloons without radiology control, and in one case Savary bougi. Dilatation is usually done as an outpatient procedure with patients being discharged 3–4 h after the procedure. Mean dysphagia free interval is 7 months, longer is older patients. “Through-the-scope” baloons could be the best way to perform esophageal dilatation in epidermolysis bullosa patients. The procedure is short, safe with high success rate and dysphagia free interval and minimal complications.