Treatment:

Dilation (stretching) of the esophagus is the preferred treatment. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.

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. 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.