Question:
If you have a stricture, how is it repaired?

Do they do that lap or is it by incision? I am scheduled for surgery in November and I am getting the pre-op jitters and fears. I know so many things could go wrong.    — tanya5098 (posted on September 24, 2004)

September 24, 2004
I am thinking You probably have had to do an EGD if you are close to surgery but incase they send a probe type thing down through your mouth and stretch it that way. :0)
   — Shell G

September 24, 2004
my two strictures were fixed by the doc doing an endoscopy while I was asleep and stretching the stoma a little. Also known as dialation. Very simple thing.
   — Delores S.

September 24, 2004
Fortunately they are not that common. Treatment is for progressive symptoms of difficultly swallowing of first solids, soft foods, and finally liquids. It is usually and outpatient procedure in which a flexible endoscope (camera)is placed down your mouth into your esophagus and eventually your pouch and small bowel limb. Once identified, the connection between the two (anastomosis) is stretched open with a balloon through the scope if narrowed significantly. This procedure usually will relieve most patients symptoms the first time. Sedation is routinely used. Almost everyone goes home the same day able to eat and drink.
   — selwynca

September 25, 2004
I had a stricture at about 10 weeks post op and had to have an EGD (scope procedure) and a balloon was passed into the stricture and popped it open. At about 8 months post op, I thought I may have another stricture as I have trouble eating meat, but was checked and all is well. I am just one of the people who can't eat meat unless it's ground and/or pulverized in a processor to resemble sawdust. LOL As for the procedure...EASY AS PIE!!!!! In and out of the entire procedure in less than 15 minutes. Good luck and God bless.
   — Katherine F.

September 29, 2004
It rally depends where your stricture is 1 of mine was fixed with the scope and the other was fixed by opening me up if it is to far downthey can't reach it with the scope or by lap, either way niether one was bad. Good Luck
   — Cindy F.