Cryoablation for Benign Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Strictures

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cryotherapy on Benign Anastomotic Strictures Following Esophagectomy, Gastrectomy, and Bariatric Surgery

Anastomotic stricture is a common complication following foregut surgery. The standard of care for these benign foregut anastomotic strictures is balloon dilatation. However, re-stenosis of strictures is also common, requiring frequent repetition of balloon dilatation. Cryotherapy is a novel therapy that may improve clinical outcomes following dilatation. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial to characterize the impact of cryotherapy on clinical outcomes and complications for benign anastomotic strictures following esophagectomy, gastrectomy, and bariatric surgery.

Inclusion Critieria

• History of esophagectomywith primary anastomosis
• History of gastrectomy with primary anastomosis
• History of bariatric surgery with primary anastomosis
• History of anastomotic stricture
• History of balloon dilatation at Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California

Exclusion Critieria

• Patients treated at medical centers other than Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California
• History of anastomotic stent placement