In an experimental study the significance of local electroincision and pressure in endoscopic dilatation therapy of benign colorectal anastomotic stenosis was investigated. A benign anastomotic stenosis was induced in the proximal part of the rectum in 21 pigs and was quantified and classified 12 weeks postoperatively using the stenosis index of McAdam. All stenotic anastomoses were dilated using electroincision (two incisions versus four) and balloon dilatation (230 mmHg versus 460 mmHg). Neither perforation nor severe bleeding occurred in any of the animals. At 24 weeks after the operation the anastomoses were restaged. We found significantly better results after four incisions than after two. After multiple incisions the dilation pressure was of secondary importance. Combined therapy with multiple incisions and balloon dilatation is a safe procedure yielding good results even with low-pressure dilatation.