Esophageal stricture secondary to reflux esophagitis.

Since 1966 we have used esophageal dilation plus Nissen fundoplication as our sole method of treating esophageal strictures caused by reflux esophagitis. Twenty-six patients were treated for esophageal strictures. Dysphagia, vomiting, and weight loss were the main complaints. All had roentgenographic evidence of esophageal stricture confirmed by endoscopy. All patients had preoperative or intraoperative dilation of the stenotic segment with a Hurst dilator, followed by Nissen fundoplication as the antireflux operation of choice. This more conservative approach, which corrects both the reflux and stricture problem, has not been associated with mortality nor has there been any morbidity associated with the dilation procedure. All patients thus treated have remained asymptomatic on normal alimentation for the follow-up period, which ranges from six months to seven years.