QUICK FACTS: ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE
Symptoms:
Common Causes:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Diagnosis:
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Medical history review and review of symptoms of esophageal stricture
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Physical examination
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A barium swallow. Patient will swallow barium and x-rays can be taken to show the narrowing of the esophagus
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An endoscopy exam. This narrow tube is inserted into the esophagus and it can show any narrowing of the esophagus
Common Treatments:
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Dilation. The esophagus is stretched by the use of one of several methods. Two of the methods of dilation are performed by passing a dilator or air-filled balloon through a endoscope. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.
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Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or rabeprazole, can keep strictures from returning.
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Surgical treatment is rarely necessary. It is performed if a stricture can’t be dilated enough to allow solid food to pass through. Surgery is also performed if repeated dilations do not keep these strictures from returning.
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