Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

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Esophageal Stricture Overview

What is an esophageal stricture?
A person with an esophageal stricture has abnormal narrowing of a section of the esophagus. The narrowing restricts the flow of food through the esophagus. Esophageal stricture is most common in those who have reflux esophagitis. Causes of esophageal stricture include esophageal cancer, GERD, infection, and drug side effects.

What are the symptoms of an esophageal stricture?
Symptoms of an esophageal stricture include chest pain after swallowing, difficulty swallowing, inability to swallow solid food, vomiting after swallowing, and vomiting undigested food.

How does the doctor treat an esophageal stricture?
Treatment of an esophageal stricture may include acid blocker medications and esophageal dilation procedures.

Continue to Esophageal Stricture Incidence

Last Updated: Feb 8, 2010 References

PubMed Esophageal Stricture References
  1. al-Bassam A. Surgical management of severe peptic esophageal stricture in children. Hepatogastroenterology. 2003 May-Jun;50(51):714-7. [12828068]
  2. Parrilla P, Martinez de Haro LF, Ortiz A, Munitiz V, Serrano A, Torres G. Barrett's esophagus without esophageal stricture does not increase the rate of failure of Nissen fundoplication. Ann Surg. 2003 Apr;237(4):488-93. [12677144]
  3. Wang YG, Tio TL, Soehendra N. Endoscopic dilation of esophageal stricture without fluoroscopy is safe and effective. World J Gastroenterol. 2002 Aug;8(4):766-8. [12174394]