Esophageal strictures: Management beyond dilation

Table 4 It enumerates the difference between bougie and balloon dilators

Feature	Bougie dilators	Balloon dilators
Mechanism of action	Apply axial/shearing force as they are pushed through the stricture	Apply radial/centrifugal force by expanding within the stricture
Force distribution	Longitudinal, may be uneven and less controlled	Radial and uniform, leading to symmetrical expansion
Need for endoscopic visualization	Not essential	Requires endoscopic access (TTS) or fluoroscopy
Need for guidewire	Required	May or may not require, depending on the type of balloon dilator
Cost	Generally lower (reusable)	Higher (disposable or limited reuse)
Procedure time	Shorter procedure time	Longer procedure time due to multistep inflation
Types	Savary-Gilliard (wire-guided)	TTS balloon

TTS: Through-the-scope.