Disorders We Treat

Esophageal Stricture

An esophageal stricture is a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties. The strictures are caused by scar tissue that builds up in the esophagus, when the lining of the esophagus is damaged.

When scarring occurs, the lining of the esophagus becomes stiff. As this scar tissue continues to build up, the esophagus begins to narrow in that area. The result is swallowing difficulties.

Causes of esophageal strictures:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Prolonged use of a nasogastric tube
• Ingestion of corrosive substances
• Viral or bacterial infections

Symptoms of Esophageal Strictures:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Discomfort with swallowing
• A feeling that food gets stuck in the esophagus
• Regurgitation of food
• Weight loss

Complications of Esophageal Strictures:

• Swallowing difficulties may keep the patient from getting enough fluids and nutrients.
• Increased risk of regurgitated food, fluid, or vomit entering the lungs and cause choking or aspiration pneumonia

Esophageal Strictures are diagnosed by:

• Barium swallow, in which the patient swallows barium and x-rays are taken to show the narrowing of the esophagus.
• Endoscopy exam, in which a narrow tube is inserted into the esophagus.

Treatments of Esophageal Strictures:

• Dilation. The esophagus is stretched by passing a dilator or air-filled balloon through an endoscope. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.
• Medications such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or rabeprazole.

Surgical treatment is rarely necessary. It is performed if a stricture cannot be dilated enough to allow solid food to pass through. Surgery is also performed if repeated dilations do not keep these strictures from returning.

After treatment, a patient can usually go back to regular routines and diets. Some patients may develop strictures again in the future.