Endoscopic treatment of benign esophageal strictures: Advances and challenges

Table 1 Common methods of endoscopic dilation for benign esophageal stenosis

Treatment methods	Indications	Whether to use radiation assistance	Advantages	Disadvantages
Guide-wire-free bougie	Simple stenosis of the distal esophagus	No	Simple to operate, and patients can use it at home	It is only applicable in simple linear stenosis
Guide-wire-assisted bougie	Complex stenosis of the distal esophagus	Yes	Cost-effective and reusable. Guidance by a guide wire makes it safer	It is not applicable in severe stenosis
Endoscopic balloon	Complex or severe stenosis of the esophagus	Yes	Dilation effect is definite, and it can be applied in a wider range of scenarios	Cost is high and the operation process is relatively complex