Objective To explore the efficacy of gastrofiberscope-assisted balloon catheter dilatation of esophageal stricture. Methods A total of 30 children with esophageal stricture underwent gastrofiberscope-assisted balloon dilatation between October 1996 and November 2005 in this hospital.The procedure was conducted using the type JIF-SP gastrofiberscope(Olympus Company,Japan) and a balloon catheter with pressure monitor(Boston Company,USA).The stricture was 0.2~0.6 cm in diameter and 0.6~2.5 cm in length(mean,1.7 cm).Under the direct vision of gastrofiberscopy,the balloon catheter was perorally inserted to the stricture.Then the balloon was insufflated with air while monitoring the pressure.The balloon dilatation lasted for 5 min. Results A total of 113 times of balloon dilation were performed in 29 children,while a conversion to traditional surgery was required in 1 child with serious esophageal stricture due to difficulty to dilatation.In the 29 children,the dilatation was conducted for 2~3 times every month until the strictured esophagus reached 0.6~0.7 cm in diameter after 4~5 times of balloon dilatation.Follow-up surveys for 3 months ~ 5 years in the 29 children showed no dysphagia or recurrence of stricture.Conclusions Gastrofiberscope-assisted balloon catheter dilatation of esophageal stricture is a feasible and safe technique.