STRICTURE?

WHAT IS A STRICTURE? wHAT CAUSES IT?

The dictionary says it is an abnormal constriction or narrowing of a body passage. I don't know what causes it.

Mine was from reflux...was repaired 3 times before surgery, during and once 6 months later...haven't had a problem since.

An anastomotic (surgical connection between two structures) stricture is defined as any form of narrowing in the anastomosis region, determined by contrast swallow study and any symptom of difficulty when swallowing solid food, semisolids or liquids, and requiring endoscopic dilation. When the lining of the esophagus is damaged (GERD, surgery, etc.), scarring develops. When scarring occurs, tissue continues to build up, and the esophagus begins to narrow in that area. This scarring will produce damaged tissue in the form of a ring that narrows the opening of the esophagus. The result then is swallowing difficulties. HTH, Kristen