The Incidence of Bacteremia after Outpatient Hurst Bougienage in the Management of Benign Esophageal Stricture

Abstract

Transient bacteremia occurs in a variety of gastrointestinal procedures. Of 13 patients with a benign esophageal stricture treated as out-patients by the passage of Hurst mercury bougies only one developed transient bacteremia which occurred five minutes after dilation. We do not therefore recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for patients undergoing this type of management. Attention should be given to the manner in which dilators are cleaned and stored.