Stricture

Stricture is a pathological narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract lumen, caused by thickening, scarring, or inflammation of the organ wall. The stricture reduces the normal diameter for the passage of food and liquids, and may lead to significant functional disturbances.

In the upper gastrointestinal tract, strictures may appear in the esophagus or stomach, and can result from prolonged reflux, chronic inflammation, prior endoscopic treatments or surgeries, and sometimes from tumors.

Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty or pain upon swallowing
• Sensation of food sticking
• Recurrent vomiting or regurgitation
• Weight loss

Diagnosis is usually performed by endoscopy and imaging, and treatment is tailored according to the severity and underlying cause of the stricture. In many cases, strictures can be treated endoscopically, such as with controlled dilation, thereby significantly improving the patient27s quality of life.