PMC8168026_01
(a) Right lateral thoracic radiograph after contrast medium ingestion. Note the severe and diffuse oesophageal aeric dilatation indicating generalised megaoesophagus, as well as (b) the loss of continuity between the distal oesophagus and the stomach. Courtesy of Dr C Muller
10.1177_2055116921994516-fig1.jpg
PMC8168026_01_10.1177_2055116921994516-fig1.jpg
fig1-2055116921994516
As a significant amount of residual ingesta was observed in the oesophageal lumen several minutes after swallowing, oesophageal motility was subjectively considered reduced (Figure 1).
Endoscopic view of the stricture (asterisks), the oesophageal diverticulum (arrowheads) and cicatricial fibrosis suggestive of a peptic stenosis (arrows), (a) before balloon dilation attempts. (b) The diameter of the stricture was estimated to be 3 mm. (c) Attempts to pass through the stricture and dilate using balloon devices were unsuccessful. (d) Note the slight and non-significant improvement of the stricture after balloon dilation attempts
10.1177_2055116921994516-fig2.jpg
PMC8168026_01_10.1177_2055116921994516-fig2.jpg
fig2-2055116921994516
Balloons were partially inserted into the stenotic canal and filled up to reach their maximum burst pressure, which was held for 120 s, and no significant improvement of the stricture was noted (Figure 2).
Follow-up endoscopy 6 days postoperatively. (a) Note the oesophagostomy tube that was placed through the cardia and (b-d) withdrawn for further examination. Note the small amount of fibrinous material, consistent with the recent surgery. The epiphrenic diverticulum is detectable when the oesophagus is maximally inflated
10.1177_2055116921994516-fig3.jpg
PMC8168026_01_10.1177_2055116921994516-fig3.jpg
fig3-2055116921994516
Follow-up endoscopy at 6 days postoperatively revealed no procedural complication (eg, mural necrosis and leakage) (Figure 3).
Follow-up endoscopy 1 month postoperatively. The cardia is examined from the (a,b) oesophagus and (c) stomach using a retrovision. Courtesy of Dr C Muller
10.1177_2055116921994516-fig4.jpg
PMC8168026_01_10.1177_2055116921994516-fig4.jpg
fig4-2055116921994516
The endoscope was passed easily through the cardia at both time points (Figure 4).
Follow-up left lateral contrast thoracic radiographs, 1 month after surgery: (a) before contrast medium administration, and (b) 5 s and (c) 1 min after contrast medium administration. The dilatation of the oesophagus was reduced and food stagnation was no longer observed. Courtesy of Dr C Muller
10.1177_2055116921994516-fig5.jpg
PMC8168026_01_10.1177_2055116921994516-fig5.jpg
fig5-2055116921994516
Moreover, at the 1-month follow-up, serial contrasted thoracic radiographs taken by the referring veterinarian showed reduction of the oesophageal distension (Figure 5).