Balloon Dilation Methods for Benign Esophageal Stricture
Stopped: IRB closed due to slow accrual
United States0Started 2020-07-13
Plain-language summary
This is the first head to head, prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing two different approaches of balloon dilation (standard versus progressive dilation) for benign esophageal strictures. A retrospective study on patients with benign esophageal strictures that underwent balloon dilation using the proposed technique found considerable symptomatic improvement in dysphagia. The proposed balloon dilation method is a novel approach that will require fewer sessions of dilation and use fewer balloon dilation catheters to achieve a maximum balloon diameter of 18mm and result in a significant symptomatic improvement.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 99 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria
* more than 18 years old
* symptoms of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) due to a benign esophageal stricture
* willing to be randomized to either arm of the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* less than 18 years of age
* malignant esophageal stricture
* stricture located in the gastrointestinal tract other than the esophagus
* any benign or malignant stricture regardless of location in which the patient had previous mechanical or balloon dilation
* diagnosis of achalasia
* currently pregnant
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Dysphagia
Timeframe: 1 year (at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up)