Question:
How common are strictures?

Could someone give me some statistics on how common strictures are? I'm one week post-op, and I'm not having any problems with anything I've had so far (although I am on a clear liquid diet only right now). I'm just curious if strictures are very common and if I should be worried about getting one. I think I read somewhere when I was pre-op that strictures occur in about 10% of people, but I know I've read a lot on this site about people having them. Any statistics? Thanks!    — Kristie B. (posted on May 15, 2002)

May 15, 2002
I would say that they are more like 6%. That is what my doc told me when I had mine. I had to have 2 dilated, but that is usually the case if you get one. So it wouldn't be anything that I would worry about. And the reason you see it on here is because people will post about them if they have them, but those that don't get them, don't post that they don't have them. Does that make sense? Your gonna hear the bad side. And with thousands and thousands of members on this site, not that big of a percentage deal with strictures.
   — Cheri M.

May 15, 2002
My surgeon quoted me 20%, and are higher with revision surgeries. I had one, about 6 weeks out (commonly between 4-8 weeks post-op), but it was fixed painlessly with endoscopic dilation. I will say that although it was a minor complication, it was a MAJOR issue for me. Hopefully you won't get one. Good luck,
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 15, 2002
Im having my 4th dialation tomorrow. My Dr says I'm his first patient to need a dialation. They are frustrating but easily fixed. You will know if you get one! Don't worry!!
   — elifritz

May 15, 2002
I had my first stricture of the stoma at three weeks post op from my first revision. I was dilated and did great for three months, when I had my second, but less severe stricutre dilated. I had my third stricture.this one was in the small bowel, dilated a couple months later. Strictures do occur and are not a big deal..The IV they give you to sedate you for the endoscopy is the worst part of it all.
   — Gina Landers