An unusually intractable Schatzki ring.

Most patients with Schatzki's ring have dysphagia that can be relieved by esophageal dilation. We report an unusual case in which dysphagia caused by a Schatzki ring could not be managed conservatively. The obstructing ring was excised through a gastrotomy approached by a left-sided thoracotomy. An antireflux procedure was done after elimination of the ring. Five years later, the patient remained symptom free.