Dilatation of benign anastomotic strictures after colorectal surgery with bougies

IntroductionThe development of benign anastomotic strictures after colon-rectum operations is one of the complications. Endoscopic balloon and bougie dilatations are applied primarily in the treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causes of benign anastomosis after low anterior resection and present the results of bougie dilatation in anastomosis stenosis.Material and methodsThe patients with anastomosis after low anterior resection in the last year were retrospectively evaluated. Anastomosis and dilatation after the development of the cases were examined. The patients who underwent bougie dilatation were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of the patients, indications of surgery, causes of stenosis, duration of development of stenosis, level of stenosis and number of operations were recorded. Dilatation was performed under sedation. Polyvinyl bougies with a guide wire were used during the procedure. The dilatation process was continued starting with the smallest diameter bougie that could pass through the anastomosis, up to the maximum diameter bougie.ResultsAfter low anterior resection, seven patients with anastomosis were included in the study. In four cases, the only successful session was after the bougie dilatation. In one case, anastomosis was detected after multiple operations. In two cases, the bougie dilatation failed.ConclusionsAs a result, bougie dilatation in anastomotic stenosis is a feasible, effective and safe minimally invasive method with a low complication rate.