What are Strictures?
Abnormal narrowings of the digestive tract, usually in the esophagus, bile duct, pancreatic duct or pylorus. Strictures can be cancerous or non-cancerous and are caused by scar tissue or tumors that obstruct the tract and interfere with normal GI function. For example, acid reflux can cause damage to the esophagus and the resulting scar tissue can narrow the esophagus and cause a stricture.
Common Symptoms
Strictures sometimes display symptoms like difficult or painful swallowing, heartburn, regurgitation or vomiting, and frequent hiccupping or burping.
Treatments
Strictures are treated using an advanced procedure called Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).