The Gruntzig balloon dilatation catheter is an invaluable tool for the dilatation of long and narrow oesophageal strictures which are not amenable to other forms of dilatation. We present our experience of 43 dilatations of oesophageal strictures in 14 patients without any significant complications. This procedure resulted in significant symptom-free periods in all patients, and the resultant improved nutritional status of these patients prepared them for surgery.