Balloon dilators for oesophageal stricture treatment have the advantage that they apply radial forces to the obstruction. The alternative is the pushing of a dilator through a stricture - resulting axial forces have a greater propensity to cause perforations and tears.
Two types of balloon are used. TTS balloons are size-limited. They may be filled with diluted contrast media and they are visualised fluoroscopically. Pneumatic balloons are larger, more compliant and governed more by pressure. They are used for treating achalasia and motility disorders. The pressure in the balloon is elevated for 1-2 minutes during each procedure.
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