Intralesional mitomycin C: successful treatment for benign recalcitrant esophageal stricture

Endoscopic Management of Congenital Esophageal Defects and Associated Comorbidities

The endoscopist plays a critical role in the management of patients with congenital esophageal defects. This review focuses on esophageal atresia and congenital esophageal strictures and, in particular, the endoscopic management of comorbidities related to these conditions, including anastomotic strictures, tracheoesophageal fistulas, esophageal perforations, and esophagitis surveillance. Practical aspects of endoscopic techniques for stricture management are reviewed including dilation, intralesional steroid injection, stenting, and endoscopic incisional therapy. Endoscopic surveillance for mucosal pathology is essential in this population, as patients are at high risk of esophagitis and its late complications such as Barrett's esophagus.

EFFICACY OF ENDOSCOPIC TOPICAL MITOMYCIN C APPLICATION IN CAUSTIC ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

BACKGROUND

Caustic ingestion and development of esophageal strictures are recognized major public health problems in childhood. Different therapeutic methods have been proposed in the management of such strictures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and risk of endoscopic topical application of mitomycin C in the treatment of caustic esophageal strictures.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Central Cochrane, and LILACS databases. The outcomes evaluated were dysphagia resolution rate, number of dilations performed in resolved cases, and the number of dilations performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Three randomized clinical trials were included for final analysis with a total of 190 patients. Topical mitomycin C application group showed a significant increase in dysphagia resolution rate, corresponding to a 42% higher dysphagia resolution as compared to endoscopic dilation alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (RD: 0.42 - [CI: 0.29-0.56]; P-value <0.00001). The mean number of dilations performed in resolved cases were significantly less in the topical mitomycin C application group, compared to endoscopic dilations alone, with statistical significance between the two groups (MD: 2.84 [CI: 1.98-3.69]; P-value <0.00001). When comparing the number of dilations in all patients, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (MD: 1.46 [CI: -1.53-4.44]; P-value =0.34).

CONCLUSION

Application of topical mitomycin C with endoscopic dilations in caustic esophageal strictures was more effective in dysphagia resolution than endoscopic therapy alone in the pediatric population. Moreover, topical mitomycin C application also reduced the number of dilation sessions needed to alleviate dysphagia without rising morbidity.

Endoscopic Injection of Mitomycin C for the Treatment of Pharyngoesophageal Stenosis Refractory to Endoscopic Treatment with Dilatation in Patients Treated for Head and Neck Cancer

Background

Management of pharyngoesophageal stenosis (PES) in patients after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment remains a challenge. It is not uncommon that PES is refractory to dilation sessions. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Mitomycin C (MMC) endoscopic injection for the treatment of refractory pharyngoesophageal stenosis.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective study in patients with dysphagia following head and neck cancer treatment, without evidence suggestive of tumor recurrence, and refractory to endoscopic treatment. These patients were submitted to endoscopic dilation of the stenotic segment with thermoplastic bougies, followed by injection of MMC. We repeated the endoscopic sessions every three weeks.

Results

From January 2015 to May 2015, we treated 13 patients with PES. Three patients were initially enrolled in the study for refractory stricture. We observed adverse events in all of them, with intense neck pain and ulcer development, justifying the interruption of the trial.

Conclusion

The repeated injection in the short interval of MMC in refractory PES is not recommended, because it resulted in serious adverse events.

Anastomotic Strictures after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Incidence, Investigations, and Management, Including Treatment of Refractory and Recurrent Strictures

Improved surgical techniques, as well as preoperative and postoperative care, have dramatically changed survival of children with esophageal atresia (EA) over the last decades. Nowadays, we are increasingly seeing EA patients experiencing significant short- and long-term gastrointestinal morbidities. Anastomotic stricture (AS) is the most common complication following operative repair. An esophageal stricture is defined as an intrinsic luminal narrowing in a clinically symptomatic patient, but no symptoms are sensitive or specific enough to diagnose an AS. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of AS in EA children. Given the lack of evidence-based data, we critically analyzed significant studies on children and adults, including comments on benign strictures with other etiologies. Despite there is no consensus about the goal of the luminal diameter based on the patient's age, esophageal contrast study, and/or endoscopy are recommended to assess the degree of the narrowing. A high variability in incidence of ASs is reported in literature, depending on different definitions of AS and on a great number of pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factor influencing the anastomosis outcome. The presence of a long gap between the two esophageal ends, with consequent anastomotic tension, is determinant for stricture formation and its response to treatment. The cornerstone of treatment is endoscopic dilation, whose primary aims are to achieve symptom relief, allow age-appropriate capacity for oral feeding, and reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration. No clear advantage of either balloon or bougie dilator has been demonstrated; therefore, the choice is based on operator experience and comfort with the equipment. Retrospective evidences suggest that selective dilatations (performed only in symptomatic patients) results in significantly less number of dilatation sessions than routine dilations (performed to prevent symptoms) with equal long-term outcomes. The response to dilation treatment is variable, and some patients may experience recurrent and refractory ASs. Adjunctive treatments have been used, including local injection of steroids, topical application of mitomycin C, and esophageal stenting, but long-term studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety. Stricture resection or esophageal replacement with an interposition graft remains options for AS refractory to conservative treatments.

Topical Mitomycin C application in the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures in adults and comprehensive literature review

BACKGROUND

Recurrent complex esophageal strictures remain difficult to manage.

AIMS

To determine the efficacy of topical Mitomycin C application for recurrent benign esophageal strictures.

METHODS

All patients who underwent balloon dilation followed by topical Mitomycin C application for recurrent benign esophageal strictures were included. Primary outcome was number of dilations and change of dysphagia score.

RESULTS

Nine patients with anastomotic (3), radiation-induced (3), caustic (2), and combined anastomotic and radiation-induced (1) strictures were included. Strictures had a mean length of 13.75mm, diameter of 8.0mm, and were dilated 10.7 times over a median of 8 months (1.5 dilations per month). Following Mitomycin C application, the need for further dilation decreased to 0.39 dilations per month over a median of 10 months; however, dysphagia scores improved not significantly from 3.2 to 2.6 (mean).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, topical Mitomycin C in conjunction with dilation decreased the frequency of esophageal dilations for recurrent benign esophageal strictures.

Endoscopic Management of Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures Secondary to Esophageal Atresia

The reported incidence of anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia repair has varied in case series from as low as 9% to as high as 80%. The cornerstone of esophageal stricture treatment is dilation with either balloon or bougie. The goal of esophageal dilation is to increase the luminal diameter of the esophagus while also improving dysphagia symptoms. Once a stricture becomes refractory to esophageal dilation, there are several treatment therapies available as adjuncts to dilation therapy. These therapies include intralesional steroid injection, mitomycin C, esophageal stent placement, and endoscopic incisional therapy.

Evaluation of efficacy of endoscopic incision method in postoperative benign anastomotic strictures of gastrointestinal system

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative benign anastomotic strictures (POBAS) which develop after surgical resections of the gastrointestinal system (GIS) present with symptoms depending on location of the stricture. Diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopic and radiological methods. Although bougie or balloon dilatation is preferred in management, the endoscopic incision method (EIM) is also used with considerable success. In this trial, we aimed to evaluate EIM, which is one of the endoscopic dilatation techniques used in postoperative anastomotic stricture of GIS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 20 POBAS patients, 12 men and 8 women, subjected to EIM intervention for strictures, were enrolled in the trial. The number of patients with upper GIS strictures was 6 (30%), while the number of cases with lower GIS strictures was 14 (70%).

RESULTS

Dilatation of the stricture was achieved in 15 (75%) patients with one treatment session, while more than one session of EIM was needed in 5 (25%) cases. Mean duration of follow-up of patients was 10.65 ±5.86 (0-25) months. Procedure-related complications developed in 8 patients. Among them, 7 were minor complications and improved without any treatment. In only 1 (5%) patient, perforation was observed as a major complication. Following EIM, recurrence of POBAS was observed in 5 (25%) patients. The following parameters were found to have an impact on successful outcome in EIM: presence or absence of a tortuous lumen in POBAS (p = 0.035) and length of stricture (p = 0.02), complications during the procedure (if any), and presence of single or multiple strictures.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic incision method may be regarded as a favorable approach among first choice treatment alternatives in uncomplicated anastomotic strictures of GIS, or it may be used as an adjunctive dilatation method.

Techniques and principles of endoscopic treatment of benign gastrointestinal strictures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The fundamental goal of treating any stenosis is luminal enlargement to ameliorate the underlying obstructive symptoms. Symptoms depend on the etiology and the site of the stricture and may include dysphagia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, obstipation, or frank bowel obstruction. This article compares the various current technologies available for the treatment of gastrointestinal stenoses with regard to ease and site of application, patient tolerance, safety and efficacy data, and cost-benefit ratio.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies indicate that gastrointestinal dilation and stenting have evolved to a point at which in many if not most situations they can be the first line therapy and potentially the final therapy needed to treat the underlying condition.

SUMMARY

Following techniques and principles in the management of gastrointestinal strictures would allow for the well tolerated and effective treatment of most patients with the tools currently available today.

Intramuscular injection of mitomycin C combined with endoscopic dilation for benign esophageal strictures

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intramuscular injection of either mitomycin C or dexamethasone with endoscopic dilation for benign esophageal strictures after esophageal surgery or endoscopic submucosal dissection.

METHODS

Patients with benign esophageal strictures were retrospectively enrolled in this study and divided into three groups: mitomycin C group (mitomycin C injection with endoscopic dilation, dexamethasone group (dexamethasone injection and dilation) and dilation group (physiological saline injection and dilation). The patients' characteristics, locations of lesions, number of previous dilations, esophageal diameters after dilation, grades of dysphagia before and after the procedure and dysphagia-free period during the follow-up period were recorded.

RESULTS

Altogether 74 patients including 25 in the mitomycin C group, 25 in the dexamethasone group and 24 in the dilation group were enrolled. The diameter of the esophagus before the procedure was 3.32 ± 0.90 mm, 3.92 ± 1.55 mm and 3.70 ± 1.30 mm, respectively, while that was increased to 12.77 ± 1.62 mm, 12.14 ± 1.28 mm and 12.73 ± 1.42 mm after endoscopic dilation in the mitomycin C, dexamethasone and conventional dilation groups. The dysphagia-free period was 4.88 ± 1.66 months in the mitomycin C group, 4.02 ± 1.77 months in the dexamethasone group and 2.41 ± 1.26 months in the dilation group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intramuscular injection of mitomycin C or dexamethasone may prolong the dysphagia-free period and decrease the frequency of repeat dilations compared with conventional endoscopic dilations in patients with benign esophageal strictures.

Topical mitomycin-C application in recurrent esophageal strictures after surgical repair of esophageal atresia

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and short-term safety of topical mitomycin-C, an antifibrotic agent, in preventing the recurrence of anastomotic strictures after surgical repair of esophageal atresia (EA).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with recurrent anastomotic strictures after EA surgery who underwent at least 3 esophageal dilations. We compared the outcome (ie, resolution of the stricture) of the group that received topical mitomycin-C treatment with endoscopic esophageal dilation with a historical cohort treated by dilations alone.

RESULTS

A total of 11 children received mitomycin-C concurrently with endoscopic dilations. After a median follow-up of 33 months (range 18-72), and a mean number of 5.4 dilations per patient (range 3-11), 8 of 11 patients achieved a resolution of their strictures, 2 patients remained with stenosis, and 1 patient needed a surgical correction. In the control group, 10 patients required an average of 3.7 (range 3-7) total dilations. After a follow-up of 125 months (range 35-266) after the last dilation, strictures in 9 of 10 children disappeared and the remaining patient was symptom free. No dysplasia related to mitomycin-C was demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no benefit in the resolution of the stricture when adding mitomycin-C treatment compared with repeated esophageal dilations alone in historical controls. Further randomized controlled studies and a short- and long-term evaluation of safety are needed.

Mitomycin-C: 'a ray of hope' in refractory corrosive esophageal strictures

Increasingly frequent dilation may become a self-defeating cycle in refractory stricture as recurrent trauma enhance, scar formation, and ultimately recurrence and potential worsening of the stricture. In 12 patients of caustic induced esophageal stricture, who failed to respond despite rigorous dilatation regimen for more than one year, a trial of topical mitomycin-C application to improve dilatation results was undertaken, considering the recently reported efficacy and safety of this agent. Mitomycin-C was applied for 2-3 minutes at the strictured esophageal segment after dilation with wire-guided Savary-Gilliard dilator. Patient was kept nil by mouth for 2-3 hours. After 4-6 sessions of mitomycin-C treatment, resolution of symptoms and significant improvement in dysphagia score and periodic dilatation index was seen in all 12 patients. Mitomycin-C topical application may be a useful strategy in refractory corrosive esophageal strictures and salvage patients from surgery.

Preliminary results of antiscarring therapy in the prevention of postendoscopic esophageal mucosectomy strictures

BACKGROUND

Esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective minimally invasive therapy for early esophageal cancer and high-grade Barrett dysplasia. However, esophageal stricture formation after circumferential or large ESD has limited its wide adoption. Mitomycin C (MMC), halofuginone (Hal), and transforming growth factor β3 (TGF-β3) exhibits antiscarring effects that may prevent post-ESD stricture formation.

METHODS

Using endoscopic mucosectomy (EEM) technique, an 8- to 10-cm-long circumferential esophageal mucosal segment was excised in a porcine model. The site was either untreated (control, n = 6) or received 40 evenly distributed injections of antiscarring agent immediately and at weeks 1 and 2. High and low doses were used: MMC 5 mg (n = 2), 0.5 mg (n = 2); Hal 5 mg (n = 2), 1.5 mg (n = 2), 0.5 mg (n = 2); TGF-β3 2 μg (n = 2), 0.5 μg (n = 2). The degree of stricture formation was determined by the percentage reduction of the esophageal lumen on weekly fluoroscopic examination. Animals were euthanized when strictures exceeded 80 % or the animals were unable to maintain weight.

RESULTS

The control group had a luminal diameter reduction of 78.2 ± 10.9 % by 2 weeks and were euthanized by week 3. Compared at 2 weeks, the Hal group showed a decrease in mean stricture formation (68.4 % low dose, 57.7 % high dose), while both TGF-β3 dosage groups showed no significant change (65.3 % low dose, 76.2 % high dose). MMC was most effective in stricture prevention (53.6 % low dose, 35 % high dose). Of concern, the esophageal wall treated with high-dose MMC appeared to be necrotic and eventually led to perforation. In contrast, low dose MMC, TGF-β3 and Hal treated areas appeared re-epithelialized and healthy.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary data on MMC and Hal demonstrated promise in reducing esophageal stricture formation after EEM. More animal data are needed to perform adequate statistical analysis in order to determine overall efficacy of antiscarring therapy.

Use of a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene catheter balloon to treat refractory esophageal stricture: a novel technique for delivery of mitomycin C

PURPOSE

Endoluminal application of mitomycin C shows promise as a nonsurgical approach to treating recalcitrant stricture but requires precise delivery to prevent mitomycin-mediated injury to adjacent normal mucosa. We describe a novel technique that uses a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene catheter balloon to endoluminally deliver mitomycin C to the target tissue while minimizing nontarget drug application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A newborn infant with proximal tracheoesophageal fistula and distal atresia underwent an uncomplicated repair. However, he developed recurrent esophageal stricture resistant to multiple attempts at pneumatic dilations. An image-guided endoluminal radiologic approach that uses microporous polytetrafluoroethylene catheter balloon was developed to precisely deliver mitomycin C to the mucosal lining of the stricture post-dilation.

RESULTS

After uncomplicated pneumatic dilation under fluoroscopic guidance, we used a microporous balloon catheter to endoluminally deliver mitomycin C topically to the mucosa at the level of stricture. Three weeks post procedure, repeat esophagram showed resolution of the stricture with unobstructed flow of contrast material to the stomach. The patient had no observable side effects from mitomycin C application.

CONCLUSION

Image-guided therapies based on balloon dilation and drug-eluting microporous balloon techniques offer a safe, precise, and comprehensive approach to the treatment of recalcitrant esophageal strictures.