Ultrathin endoscopy in the assessment and treatment of upper and lower gastrointestinal tract strictures

Background: Ultrathin (less than or equal to 6 mm diameter) endoscopes have recently been introduced into clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively assessed the role of a 6 mm diameter videoendoscope in 15 patients with tight gastrointestinal tract strictures. Results: The ultrathin endoscope was successfully passed through 9 of 12 esophageal strictures not amenable to endoscopy with a standard-diameter endoscope allowing stricture dilatation or nasogastric tube placement in 8 of these. Ultrathin endoscopy was also successful in passing 3 lower gastrointestinal tract strictures caused by Crohn's disease that were impassable using larger-diameter endoscopes. Conclusion: Ultrathin endoscopy is potentially useful in the assessment and treatment of some upper and lower gastrointestinal tract strictures.