Treatment:

Dilation (stretching) of the esophagus is the preferred treatment. This treatment often needs to be repeated after a certain period of time to prevent the stricture from narrowing again.

Proton pump inhibitors (acid-blocking medicines) can keep a peptic stricture from returning. Surgical treatment is rarely necessary.

Expectations (prognosis):

The patient may develop the stricture again in the future.

Complications:

Swallowing difficulties may keep the patient from getting enough fluids and nutrients. Solid food, especially meat, can become stuck above the stricture and need endoscopy to remove it.

There is also an increased risk (with regurgitation) of having food, fluid, or vomit enter the lungs and cause choking or aspiration pneumonia.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if swallowing difficulty persists.