High success and low complication rates make endoscopic dilatation the treatment of choice to avoid high-risk reoperations in patients with benign anastomotic stricture. The presence of stapler anastomosis, postoperative leakage, and/or radiotherapy does not significantly impede successful endoscopic dilatation.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with CAPIRI is feasible and well tolerated. The preliminary efficacy is good, and the tolerability is at least comparable with data for fluorouracil plus irinotecan chemoradiotherapy. Larger phase II trials of the CAPIRI-RT schedule clearly are warranted.