New tool predicts esophageal stricture risk after ESD

Surgeons can now better predict the risk of esophageal stricture following extensive endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early esophageal cancer.

• A nomogram developed from a study of 1,043 patients categorizes stricture risk as low (2.3%), intermediate (48.8%), or high (75%).
• In a matched cohort of 44 patients, a combination of glucocorticoids and functional exercise reduced stricture rates to 31.8% versus 63.6% with glucocorticoids alone (p=0.035).

Consider using the nomogram for personalized patient management and to implement glucocorticoids with exercise for high-risk individuals.