Objective:To investigate the outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilation laryngoplasty （EBDL） in managing acquired subglottic stenosis in children. Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for secondary subglottic stenosis between January 2017 and January 2024 at Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai. The study included 10 children （6 males, 4 females） aged between 13 days and 3 years at the time of their first procedure, with an average age of 7 months. Subglottic stenosis was graded according to the Myer-Cotton classification, with two cases classified as grade Ⅱ and eight cases as grade Ⅲ. All patients had a history of tracheal intubation, including seven for rescue purposes and three for operations. Eight cases were complicated by other conditions: two with atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, and patent foramen ovale; two with patent foramen ovale only; one with atrial septal defect and extreme deafness in the left ear; one with a brain tumor and hydrocephalus; one with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and hepatic rupture; and one case complicated by type Ⅰ laryngeal cleft. Prior to surgery, all children required respiratory support-seven needed high-flow oxygen while three required CPAP. Results:All ten cases underwent endoscopic balloon dilation under spontaneous respiration and general anesthesia, totaling fourteen dilations （an average of 1.4 dilations per person） without any complications. Post-surgery air permeability tests showed that eight cases had grade Ⅰ stenosis while two had grade Ⅱ stenosis. The follow-up period ranged from six months to six years （average duration: 46 months）. Following treatment, all patients no longer required respiratory support or experienced significant mobility limitations. Conclusion:Endoscopic balloon dilation under general anesthesia is deemed safe and effective in treating secondary subglottic stenosis. Early diagnosis coupled with prompt intervention can help avoid tracheotomy procedures altogether. Standard tracheoscopy combined with breathability testing represents a crucial approach to assess normal airway diameter and effectively reduce or prevent secondary subglottic stenosis following re-intubation.
Humans ; Laryngostenosis/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Laryngoplasty/methods* ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Dilatation/methods* ; Laryngoscopy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Endoscopy

Objective:This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of tympanoplasty using auricular cartilage combined with balloon eustachian tuboplasty for the treatment of adhesive otitis media（adhesive otitis media, AdOM） under endoscopic. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients with unilateral adhesive otitis media who visited Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between January 2017 and February 2022. All patients were divided into three groups: ①conservative treatment group;②simple tympanoplasty group; ③tympanoplasty combined with balloon dilation group（BET group）. All patients were regularly assessed for the improvement of tympanic membrane morphology, hearing, and Eustachian tube function, as well as complications, after treatment. Results:There was no significant improvement in eardrum morphology, hearing, or eustachian tube function in the conservative treatment group（P>0.05）; both the simple tympanoplasty group and the BET group showed significant improvements in eardrum morphology and hearing after surgery（P<0.01）; In terms of Eustachian tube function improvement, the BET group showed significantly greater improvements in Eustachian tube manometry（TMM） and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire（ETDQ-7） scores compared to the tympanoplasty alone group（P<0.01）. Conclusion:Tympanoplasty using auricular cartilage combined with balloon eustachian tuboplasty shows good clinical outcomes in the treatment of adhesive otitis media, significantly ameliorating patients' subjective symptoms such as tinnitus and ear congestion after surgery, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.
Humans ; Eustachian Tube/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tympanoplasty/methods* ; Otitis Media/surgery* ; Ear Cartilage/surgery* ; Endoscopy ; Dilatation ; Treatment Outcome ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical application of endoscopic esophageal dilation in the treatment of corrosive esophageal strictures in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures who underwent endoscopic esophageal dilation in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The clinical features, treatment modality of endoscopic esophageal dilation, number of dilations, complications, and prognosis were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 96 esophageal dilations were performed in the 15 children with corrosive esophageal strictures, with a median of 6 dilations per child. Among them, 9 children (60%) underwent 6 or more dilations. The children with a stricture length of >3 cm had a significantly higher number of dilations than those with a stricture length of ≤3 cm (P<0.05). The children with strictures in a single segment had a significantly better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments (P=0.005). No complication was observed during all sessions of dilation. The overall effective rate (including significant improvement and improvement) of endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment was 87%, with 2 cases of failure. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic esophageal dilation is an effective and relatively safe treatment method for corrosive esophageal strictures in children, and children with strictures in a single segment tend to have a better treatment outcome than those with strictures in multiple segments.
Child ; Humans ; Esophageal Stenosis/therapy* ; Constriction, Pathologic/complications* ; Dilatation/methods* ; Caustics ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Varicocele is the dilatation of the scrotal portion of pampiniform plexus and the internal spermatic venous system. About 15% of men suffer from scrotal varicocele and 2% to 10% of them complain of pain. The probable mechanisms for pain include compression of the surrounding neural fibers by the dilated venous complex, elevated testicular temperature, increased venous pressure, hypoxia, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalances, and the reflux of toxic metabolites of adrenal or renal origin. Testicular pain associated with varicoceles is typically described as a dull, aching, or throbbing pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin; rarely, it can be acute, sharp, or stabbing. The management of testicular pain associated with varicocele starts with a conservative, non-surgical approach and a period of observation. Varicocelectomy in carefully selected candidates with clinically palpable varicocele resolves nearly 80% of all cases of testicular pain. Microsurgical techniques for varicocelectomy have gained popularity with minimal complication rates and favorable outcomes. The grade of varicocele, the nature and duration of pain, body mass index, prior conservative management, and the type of surgical method used, are predictors for the success of varicocelectomy.
Anoxia ; Body Mass Index ; Dilatation ; Groin ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Oxidative Stress ; Review Literature as Topic ; Scrotum ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Testis ; Varicocele* ; Venous Pressure

OBJECTIVE: To screen the optimal acupuncture regimen for cricopharyngeal achalasia (CPA) after brain stem infarction and compare the therapeutic effect between the combined therapy of catheter balloon dilation and acupuncture and the simple application of catheter balloon dilation. METHODS: The patients suffering from neuropathic dysphagia in CPA after brain stem infarction were selected as the subjects. After confirmed in the diagnosis with video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), they were randomized into 6 groups, 15 cases in each one, named group A (routine treatment), group B (catheter balloon dilation), group C1 (treated with acupuncture in local area), group C2 (treated with acupuncture based on differentiation), group C3 (treated with acupuncture at the local area and the acupoints based on differentiation) and group D (catheter balloon dilation combined with the optimal acupuncture). Two phases were included in the study. In the first phase of study, the therapeutic effect was compared among the three acupuncture groups, named C1, C2 and C3 group, so as to screen the optimal acupuncture regimen. In the group C1, the main acupoints included Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Yifeng (TE 17) and three-tongue points (Extra). In the group C2, the main acupoints were Neiguan (PC 6), Tongli (HT 5), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) as well as the supplementary acupoints in accordance with the syndrome differentiation. In the group C1 and group C2, after , the electroacupuncture was used, with continuous dense wave, 5 to 8 Hz in frequency. The needles were retained for 30 min. Acupuncture was given once a day, 5 treatments a week. Before treatment, in 6 weeks of treatment or after removal of gastric tube, the rehabilitation was evaluated. In the group C3, the acupoints, manipulation and treating course were same as the group C1 and group C2. In the 2nd phase of study, theresults of rehabilitation treatment were compared among the group A, group B and group D. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week. Before treatment, after gastric tube removal or in 6 weeks of treatment, the evaluation was conducted. The feedingswallowing function grade and VFSS were adopted in the evaluation among the above 6 groups. RESULTS: ① In the VFSS comparison at 1st phase of study after treatment, the food transporting ability at oral dysphagia, the results in the group C3 and group C1 were better obviously than the group C2 (both <0.05). For the improvement in aspiration, the result in the group C3 was better obviously than the group C2 (<0.05). In comparison of the three acupuncture groups with the group A, the difference was not significant statisticallys in the extubation rate among the four groups (>0.05). The severity of dysphagia in the group C3 was milder than the group C2 and group A (both <0.05). ② In the VFSS comparison at the 2nd phase of study, for the food transporting ability, the results in the group D and the group B were obviously better than the group A (both <0.05). Regarding the function at the pharyngeal dysphagia and aspiration, the results in the group D were better than the group B and group A, those in the group B were better than the group A (all <0.05). The difference in the extubation rate among the group A, group B and group D after treatment was significant statistically (<0.01), of which, the extubation rate in the group D was the highest and the rate in the group A was the lowest. The dysphagia degree in the group D was milder than the group B and group A and that in the group B was milder than the group A (all <0.05). CONCLUSION In the study of the different acupuncture methods, the acupuncture at the local acupoints and the acupoints selected based on differentiation is the optimal acupuncture regimen for cricopharyngeal achalasia after brain stem infarction. The catheter balloon dilation combined with acupuncture present the synergistc effect on cricopharyngeal achalasia after brain stem infarction, obviously relieve dysphagia and reduce aspiration.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Brain Stem Infarctions ; complications ; Catheterization ; Dilatation ; Esophageal Achalasia ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: The optimal method for intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy remains unclear because a purse-string suture for fixing the anvil into the esophagus is difficult to perform with a laparoscopic approach. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate our novel technique to fix the anvil into the esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 202 patients who were treated at our institution with an intracorporeal circular esophagojejunostomy in a laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction (166 cases) or a laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (36 cases). After incising 3/4 of the esophageal wall, a hand-sewn purse-string suture was placed on the esophagus. Next, the anvil head of a circular stapler was introduced into the esophagus. Finally, the circular esophagojejunostomy was performed laparoscopically. The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were evaluated and compared with those of other methods. RESULTS: The average operation time was 200.3 minutes. The average hand-sewn purse-string suturing time was 6.4 minutes. The overall incidence of postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥II) was 26%. The number of patients with an anastomotic leakage and stenosis at the esophagojejunostomy site were 4 (2.0%) and 12 (6.0%), respectively. All patients with stenosis were successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilatation. There was no mortality. Regarding the materials and devices for anvil fixation, only 1 absorbable thread was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Our procedure for hand-sewn purse-string suturing with the double ligation method is simple and safe.
Anastomotic Leak ; Classification ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dilatation ; Esophagus ; Gastrectomy ; Head ; Humans ; Incidence ; Laparoscopy ; Ligation ; Methods ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Sutures

OBJECTIVE: Pharyngoesophageal stricture formation and dysphagia following total laryngectomy negatively affect quality of life and result in nutritional compromise that can be successfully managed with various techniques. This study was conducted to describe our experiences of office-based balloon dilatation by transnasal endoscopy, which can be performed by an otolaryngologist. METHOD: The present study investigated three patients who underwent transnasal endoscopy guided balloon dilatation of pharyngoesophageal stricture. The assessment was performed based on the number of procedures and recurrences, final subjective outcomes, and complications. RESULT: There were no post-procedural complications. In one patient, a scarric band was found after the procedure; therefore, steroids were injected into the stricture site. There were 2–3 balloon dilatations and the interval between dilatations was 3–6 months. All patients were able to tolerate solid diet after 2 or 3 sessions. CONCLUSION: Transnasal endoscopic balloon dilatation, which can be easily performed by an otolaryngologist in an office setting without sedation or general anesthesia, can be a useful modality for treating pharyngoesophageal stricture after total laryngectomy.
Anesthesia, General ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Deglutition Disorders ; Diet ; Dilatation ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Laryngectomy ; Methods ; Quality of Life ; Recurrence ; Steroids

Biliary-tract complications, such as biliary strictures, anastomotic leaks, choledocholithiasis, and biliary casts, can occur after liver transplantation (LT). Of these complications, biliary strictures are regarded as an Achilles' heel. Recently, treatment of anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS) has transitioned from conventional surgical revision to a nonsurgical treatment modality. Endoscopic serial balloon dilatation and/or multiple plastic stent replacements are highly effective and are now regarded as the first-line treatments. However, if the patient has undergone anastomosis by means of a hepaticojejunostomy, percutaneous treatment is performed. With recent technological advances and the rendezvous method, the clinical success rates of endoscopic and percutaneous ABS treatments have increased, but these methods fail in some patients who have total obstruction of anastomotic stricture. For these patients, magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) has been suggested as an alternative method. Animal and human studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of MCA, and advancements in these nonsurgical methods have increased the clinical success rate of ABS. This review focuses on ABSs that develop after LT and discusses the clinical results of various nonsurgical methods and future directions.
Anastomotic Leak ; Animals ; Choledocholithiasis ; Cholestasis ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dilatation ; Heel ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver ; Methods ; Plastics ; Reoperation ; Stents

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is no consensus for using endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) in patients without dilatation of the lower part of the bile duct (DLBD). We evaluated the feasibility and safety of EPLBD for the removal of difficult bile duct stones (diameter ≥10 mm) in patients without DLBD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 209 patients who underwent EPLBD for the removal of bile duct stones from October 2009 to July 2014. Primary outcomes were the clearance rate and additional mechanical lithotripsy. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of complications and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients had DLBD (27.3%), and 152 did not have DLBD (72.7%). There were no significant differences in the overall success rate or the use of mechanical lithotripsy. Success rate during the first session and procedure time were better in the DLBD than the without-DLBD group (75.7% vs 66.7%, 48.1±23.0 minutes vs 58.4±31.7 minutes, respectively). As for complications, there were no significant differences in the incidence of pancreatitis, perforation or bleeding after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The recurrence rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: EPLBD is a useful and safe method for common bile duct stone removal in patients without DLBD.
Bile Ducts* ; Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic* ; Bile* ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Common Bile Duct ; Consensus ; Dilatation* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lithotripsy ; Methods ; Pancreatitis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the improvement of dysphagia after balloon dilatation and balloon swallowing at the vallecular space with a Foley catheter in stroke patients. METHODS: This study was conducted between May 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015, and involved 30 stroke patients with complaints of difficulty in swallowing. All patients underwent videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) before and after vallecular ballooning. VFSS was performed with a 4 mL semisolid bolus. For vallecular ballooning, two trainings were performed for at least 10 minutes, including backward stretching of the epiglottis and swallowing of a balloon located in the vallecular space, by checking the movement of the Foley catheter tip in real time using VFSS. RESULTS: After examination of the dysphagia improvement pattern before and after vallecular ballooning, laryngeal elevation (x-axis: pre 2.62±1.51 mm and post 3.54±1.93 mm, p=0.038; y-axis: pre 17.11±4.24 mm and post 22.11±3.46 mm, p=0.036), pharyngeal transit time (pre 5.76±6.61 s and post 4.08±5.49 s, p=0.043), rotation of the epiglottis (pre 53.24°±26.77° and post 32.45°±24.60°, p<0.001), and post-swallow pharyngeal remnant (pre 41.31%±23.77% and post 32.45%±24.60%, p=0.002) showed statistically significant differences. No significant difference was observed in the penetration-aspiration scale score (pre 4.73±1.50 and post 4.46±1.78, p=0.391). CONCLUSION: For stroke patients with dysmotility of the epiglottis and post-swallowing residue, vallecular ballooning can be considered as an alternative method that can be applied without risk of aspiration in dysphagia treatment.
Catheters ; Deglutition ; Deglutition Disorders* ; Dilatation ; Epiglottis ; Fluoroscopy ; Humans ; Methods ; Stroke*