Oesophageal strictures Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is the definition of oesophageal stricture?
Fixed fibrous narrowing of the oesophageal lumen
Oesophageal stricture can significantly impact swallowing and overall health.
What is a web in the context of oesophageal strictures?
A thin eccentric membrane (partial circumference)
Webs may contribute to dysphagia.
What is a ring in the context of oesophageal strictures?
A thicker (2-5mm) concentric narrowing of the lumen
Rings can obstruct food passage, leading to complications.
What is the most common type of oesophageal ring?
Schatzki ring
Schatzki rings are often found distally in the oesophagus.
What percentage of oesophageal strictures are due to GORD?
Up to 75%
.
What are the two main categories of causes for oesophageal rings and webs?
Benign and malignant
.
What are some structural causes of oesophageal rings?
- Hiatus hernia
- Schatzki rings associated with HH
Hiatus hernia is a common contributor to Schatzki rings.
What is the most common inflammatory cause of oesophageal stricture?
GORD
Inflammation from GORD can lead to fibrous narrowing.
Name two infective causes of oesophageal strictures.
- Candida
- CMV
Infective agents can cause significant damage to the oesophageal lining.
What are some neoplastic causes of oesophageal stricture?
Iatrogenic causes such as endoscopic perforation, post sclerotherapy fibrosis, radiotherapy, and post oesophagectomy
Neoplastic causes may involve direct tumor growth or treatment-related changes.
What traumatic cause can lead to oesophageal stricture?
Caustic injury
Caustic substances can severely damage the oesophagus, leading to strictures.
What is Plummer Vinson syndrome characterized by?
Triad of iron deficiency anaemia, dysphagia, and cervical oesophageal web
This syndrome is associated with increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
What dermatological disease can cause oesophageal strictures?
Epidermolysis bullosa
This condition can lead to structural abnormalities in the oesophagus.
What is an extrinsic compression cause of oesophageal stricture?
Vascular rings - Aberrent Left subclavian Artery
Vascular anomalies can compress the oesophagus, leading to strictures.
What is the most common symptom of oesophageal strictures?
Dysphagia
Dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing, which is frequently observed in patients with oesophageal strictures.
List three symptoms associated with oesophageal strictures.
- Odynophagia
- Weight loss
- Regurgitation of food
Odynophagia is pain during swallowing, which can occur with strictures.
What investigation has close to 100% sensitivity for detecting oesophageal strictures when properly performed?
Barium swallow
A barium swallow involves the patient swallowing a barium solution, allowing for imaging of the oesophagus.
What is the role of endoscopy in the investigation of oesophageal strictures?
Allows visualisation and biopsy
Endoscopy can help visualize the stricture and obtain tissue samples for further analysis.
Why is it important to biopsy during endoscopy for oesophageal strictures?
To rule out malignant causes and eosinophilic oesophagitis
Biopsies help determine the underlying cause of the stricture.
What is the risk of perforation associated with endoscopic dilatation for benign esophageal stricture?
0.5%
Perforation is a rare but serious complication of the dilatation procedure.
What percentage of patients experience recurrent symptoms within 5 years after treatment for oesophageal strictures?
89%
Recurrent symptoms indicate the chronic nature of oesophageal strictures.
What are some conservative management strategies for oesophageal strictures?
- Cutting food smaller
- Lifestyle measures
These strategies can help patients manage dysphagia more effectively.
What is graded dilatation needed for?
Eosinophilic oesophagitis
Graded dilatation is a specific approach for treating strictures caused by eosinophilic oesophagitis.
What long-term medication is recommended for patients with oesophageal rings and evidence of GORD?
Long term PPI
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) help reduce gastric acid and manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).