Peptic Esophageal Stricture

Peptic Esophageal Stricture

Peptic Esophageal Strictures are a subset of benign esophageal strictures, so let’s review different etiologies: peptic, radiotherapy-induced and caustic injuries, Schatzki ring, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), and strictures after surgical resection (anastomotic) or endoscopic resection.

Peptic strictures are a result of the healing process of ulcerative esophagitis. Collagen is deposited during this phase and, with time, the collagen fibers contract, narrowing the esophageal lumen. These strictures are usually short in length and contiguous with the gastroesophageal junction. Patients may have solid food dysphagia and episodic food impaction. The management of benign esophageal strictures involves dilation combined with acid-suppressive therapy with a proton pump inhibitor to prevent the recurrence of strictures once they have been adequately dilated.