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CC BY 4.0 · Endoscopy
DOI: 10.1055/a-2606-7785
Innovations and brief communications

Clinical effectiveness of esophageal stricture dilation using an improved endoscopic attachment cap in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis

Alain M. Schoepfer
1   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
,
Luc Biedermann
2   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Andrea Kreienbuehl
2   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Ekaterina Safroneeva
3   Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
,
Catherine Saner
1   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
,
Philipp Schreiner
4   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, AKH, University Hospital Vienna, Vienna, Austria
,
Thomas Greuter
2   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
5   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, GZO Wetzikon, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Alex Straumann
2   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Jeanine Wakim
1   Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Supported by: Swiss National Science Foundation (to Alain Schoepfer) 32003B_204751/1
Supported by: SWISS EOE FOUNDATION to Alain Schoepfer
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Abstract

Background

The improved endoscopic attachment cap has the following new features: 1) more rounded tip; 2) stepwise dilation in two 1-mm increments; 3) softer plastic, ensuring better contact with the endoscope tip; and 4) improved adhesive tape. We evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of one-time esophageal stricture dilation using the new device in adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Methods

Patients prospectively included in the Swiss EoE cohort with esophageal strictures (diameter ≤16 mm) and stricture-related symptoms underwent dilation with the new device. Symptoms were assessed using the Eosinophilic Esophagitis Activity Index patient-reported outcomes instrument before and 2 weeks after a single dilation.

Results

60 patients (median age 42 years; 75% male) were evaluated. Bougienage was successful in all patients. Median esophageal diameter increased from 12 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 11–14) to 16 mm (IQR 14–16; P < 0.001). Median symptom severity dropped from 36 points (IQR 22–62) to 0 (IQR 0–12; P < 0.001). No device became detached and no severe adverse events were reported. Post-dilation pain was recorded in 31.7% (19/60).

Conclusions

Esophageal stricture dilation in adults with EoE using the improved endoscopic attachment cap was feasible, clinically effective, and environmentally friendly.

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 03 December 2024

Accepted after revision: 02 April 2025

Article published online:
04 June 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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