Interventional Radiological Approach to Gastrointestinal Strictures

Abstract

Malignant and benign enteric strictures have traditionally been treated surgically but these operations frequently carry an unacceptably high morbidity and mortality. Balloon dilation provides effective radial dilating forces without the longitudinal sheering forces of traditional rigid dilators. The use of metallic stents can further expand the range of enteric strictures treatable by interventional radiological methods and can provide rapid palliation of symptoms. The techniques for dilating and stenting enteric strictures are described and critiqued.

Vascular & Interventional Radiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee