Clinical and Endoscopic Predictors of Hydrostatic Balloon Dilation Failure for Post-Bariatric Anastomotic Stricture Treatment

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients can develop anastomotic strictures. The initial management relies on endoscopic hydrostatic balloon dilation, but in a subset of patients, it may be unsuccessful despite several dilations, requiring a different treatment modality. We evaluated the factors associated with balloon dilation failure and need for revision surgery. Methods Retrospective analysis from patients presenting with a post-RYGB anastomotic stricture who underwent balloon dilation from 2005 to 2018 at Cleveland Clinic Florida and Cleveland Clinic Main Campus. Demographic, clinical, surgical, endoscopic, and post-procedural variables were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) calculation for factors associated to dilation failure was performed. Results Eighty-nine patients were included in the analysis. Population was predominantly white (85.4%) and female (87.6%), with mean age 46.4 years and followed for a mean of 97.4 months. All patients presented dysphagia, with mean stricture diameter of 7.7 mm and associated marginal ulcer in 69%. Successful dilation was achieved in 65 patients, while 24 patients had dilation failure and underwent revisional surgery. Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of dilation failure if time from RYGB to first dilation was >3 months (OR 4.95, 1.29–19.04; p = 0.02), and if nausea/vomiting were present before first dilation (OR 4.37, 1.11–17.16; p = 0.03). One patient had a perforation after dilation and was treated surgically. Conclusions Post-RYGB anastomotic strictures can be successfully treated with hydrostatic balloon dilation. However, patients with dilations performed > 3 months after initial RYGB and nausea/vomiting have an increased risk of dilation failure and need for further interventions.