ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURE Flashcards
Pertinent Anatomy
Esophagus
(1) Esophageal strictures are likely caused as a result to
esophageal irritation from chronic
GERD
Approx. _____of cases of esophageal strictures are unrelated to gastroesophageal reflux,
and treatment in these cases may be more difficult. Examples include strictures
secondary to external beam radiation, esophageal sclerotherapy, caustic ingestions.
25%
more commonly recognized cause of esophageal strictures, particularly in young men.
Eosinophilic esophagitis
d. Signs and Symptoms
(1) Localized substernal chest pain
(2) Heartburn
(3) Dysphagia is the cardinal feature of esophageal stricture
Differential Diagnosis
e. Differential Diagnosis
(1) GERD
(2) Esophageal Spasm
(3) Esophageal Dysmotility DisorderQ
Lab
None
RAD
(1) Endoscopy
(2) Barium study
Treatment
(1) Mild symptoms- similar as GERD
(2) Severe symptoms- consider MEDEVAC for potential surgery
(3) Refer all patients for Dilation
Initial Care
(1) For mild symptoms, treat patient as you would a patient with GERD.
(2) For more severe symptoms, such as dysphagia and asphyxiation
(a) Monitor patient, stabilize and consider MEDEVEC regardless of hemodynamic stability.
(b) Unresolved issue could lead to declining patient in a short period of time that would be in need of surgical intervention.
A
Complications
(1) Mallory-Weiss Tear
(2) Asphyxiation
(3) Esophageal Paresis