Role of Topical Steroid Injection With Refractory Benign Esophageal Stricture Endoscopic Dilatation in Children

Background and study aims: Benign esophageal strictures are primarily treated with dilation therapy, but strictures can recur or can be unresponsive, requiring additional or repeated treatment. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of intralesional steroid injections (ISIs) in addition to dilation in patients with refractory benign esophageal strictures. Methods: This clinical trial study included 21 children with refractory benign esophageal strictures. Upper GI endoscopy performed up to the area of stricture, esophageal dilatation done, endoscopy repeated, and steroid injected intralesional under direct endoscopic vision. The effect of the procedure was followed over a period of 12 months by evaluation of number of dilatation, maximum dilator size, periodic dilatation index (PDI) and dysphagia score.