Esophageal Stricture

This is a prospective, single-center, crossover study comparing EndoFLIP measurements obtained in two patient positions, supine and left lateral decubitus, in pediatric and young adult patients. The Endoluminal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP) is an FDA-approved device for patients aged 5 and older that utilizes high-resolution impedance planimetry and volume-controlled distension to assess esophagogastric junction function. Currently, no standardized positioning protocol exists, and proceduralists perform EndoFLIP based on individual preference, either supine or left lateral decubitus. This variability may introduce measurement inconsistencies, particularly when comparing preoperative and postoperative assessments performed in different positions.

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is a common therapeutic procedure performed for esophageal strictures. While the etiologies of esophageal strictures are numerous - including congenital strictures, caustic injuries and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) -anastomotic strictures following esophageal atresia and trachea-esophageal fistula repairs is reported as the most frequent cause in children. Stricture dilatation is usually performed under direct endoscopic vision, with graduated balloon dilatation, utilizing increasing balloon diameters deployed until reaching a pre-determined, age-based, dilatation target. Balloon dilatation is repeated every 2-4 weeks until the target is reached. Success is defined as prolonged restoration of effective swallow with no dysphagia or dietary restrictions. Dilatation is repeated if clinical resolution is not obtained, or if symptoms return after initial resolution. In children, a stricture is considered refractory when the age-appropriate esophageal lumen is not achieved with five dilatations within 5 months, or if despite ≥7 dilatations overall an age-appropriate esophageal lumen was not maintained. Several interventions have been studied to improve the efficacy of balloon dilatation, including injecting corticosteroids at the dilatation site, topical Mitomycin C following dilatation, or pre-dilatation endoscopic incisions of the anastomotic scar tissue. All these interventions are performed endoscopically at the time of the dilatation, require advanced endoscopic skills and may potentially have associated additional risk. In this study the investigators aim to test the efficacy and safety of topical budesonide gel following EBD for anastomotic esophageal strictures in a single-blinded, randomized controlled study of children.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ProTractX3™ DCB for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if tranilast works to prevent esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (cESD) in adults. It will also help us learn more about the safety of tranilast. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does tranilast reduce the occurence of esophageal stricture in participants after cESD? 2. What medical problems do participants have when taking tranilast. Researchers will compare tranilast to prednisone (a steroid used in clinical practice with potential defects) to see if tranilast works well to prevent esophageal stricture. Participants will: 1. Take tranilast or prednisone every day for 8 weeks. 2. Attend visit (at clinic or phone) once every 2 weeks for checkups and tests until 16 weeks. 3. Keep a diary of their symptoms and let researchers know during the 16 weeks follow up.

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.