Question: How Are Esophageal Strictures Treated?
Answer: Various treatments of these strictures are:
- Dilation. The esophagus is stretched by the use of one of several methods. Two of the methods of dilation are performed by passing a dilator or air-filled balloon is passed through a endoscope. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.
- Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or rabeprazole, can keep strictures from returning.
- Surgery. Surgical treatment is rarely necessary. If is performed if a stricture can't be dilated enough to allow solid food to pass through. Surgery is also performed if repeated dilations do not keep these strictures from returning.
