An esophageal stricture develops when the esophagus becomes abnormally narrow. Benign strictures often develop due to overgrowth of fibrous tissue and collagen deposits, a reaction to ulcers or chronic inflammation of the esophagus. Strictures may also develop after radiation treatment for cancer or surgery to treat esophageal cancer or Barrett’s esophagus. Strictures can be simple – symmetric with a diameter of more than 12mm or complex – asymmetric with a diameter less than 12mm.
WHAT IS AN ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE?