Esophageal balloon dilation in children: prospective analysis of hemodynamic changes and complications during general anesthesia

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate hemodynamic changes and complications in children during balloon dilation of esophageal strictures. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 5 ASA physical status I and II pediatric patients with benign esophageal stricture related to ingestion of caustic substances. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol two mg/kg and cisatracurium 0.2 mg/kg and maintained with 66% nitrous oxide and one minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in oxygen. In each session, balloon size was increased until the stricture was opened. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A total of 18 sessions and 99 dilations in 5 children performed over a one-year period were included in the study. In 8 of 18 sessions, esophageal stricture was located in the middle one third of the esophagus; and in the others, in the upper one third. Four cases experienced bleeding; two cases, inability to ventilate due to obstruction of the endotracheal tube tip by the inflated balloon; and two cases, postextubation bronchospasm. In 95 of the 99 dilations, while the balloon was inflated, heart rate was faster and blood pressure increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Anesthesiologists should keep in mind the possibility of hemodynamic instability and possible endotracheal tube tip obstruction by the inflated balloon and safeguard the airway against bleeding, secretions, and radio-opaque fluid during esophageal balloon dilation.