Bacteremia with esophageal dilation

(GUMMI BEARS)Background: Antibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended for selected patients undergoing esophageal stricture dilation because of a reported high rate of bacteremia. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of bacteremia after esophageal dilatation in a large series and the source of the organisms recovered. Methods: Blood cultures and oral temperatures were obtained before esophageal dilation and at 5 and 30 minutes after dilation. Dilators were cultured immediately before dilation. Procedural data collected included type of dilation, number of passes, and presence of malignancy. Results: Of 100 procedures in 86 patients undergoing esophageal dilation, 22 (22%) were associated with a positive post-dilation blood culture. Bacteremia was more frequent with dilation of malignant strictures compared with benign strictures (9 of 17 52.9%] vs. 13 of 83 15.7%], respectively, p = 0.002) and with passage of multiple dilators compared with passage of a single dilator (16 of 46 34.8%] versus 6 of 54 11.1%], respectively, p = 0.007). Bacterial isolates from 22 positive blood cultures matched those from a dilator in only one episode (4.5%). Conclusion: The rate of bacteremia after esophageal dilation is 22% and is associated with dilation of malignant strictures or passage of multiple dilators. Organisms cultured from the blood are not transmitted from the dilator. (Gastrointest Endosc 1998;48:563-7.)