STRICTURE OF THE ESOPHAGUS, CHRONIC

A narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring from acid irritation. A common complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Several procedures are available for stretching (dilating) the strictures without having to resort to surgery. One of the procedures involves placing a deflated balloon across the stricture at the time of endoscopy. The balloon is then inflated, thereby opening the narrowingcaused by the stricture. Another method involves inserting tapered dilators of different sizes through the mouth into the esophagus to dilate the stricture.