| oesophageal stricture, acute | A narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring from acid irritation. Acute, complete obstruction of the oesophagus occurs when food (usually meat) is lodged in the oesophageal stricture. Patients experience chest pain, and are unable to swallow saliva. Attempts to relieve the obstruction by inducing vomiting at home are usually unsuccessful. Patients with complete oesophageal obstruction can breathe, and are not at any risk of suffocation. Endoscopy is usually employed to retrieve the meat and relieve the obstruction. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| oesophageal stricture, chronic | A longstanding narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the swallowing tube leading to the stomach, usually caused by scarring by acid irritation. Narrowing of the oesophagus. A common complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Severa procedures are available for stretching (dilating) the strictures without having to resort to surgery. One of the procedures involves placing a deflated balloon across the stricture at the time of endoscopy. The balloon is then inflated, thereby opening the narrowingcaused by the stricture. Another method involves inserting tapered dilators of different sizes through the mouth into the oesophagus to dilate the stricture. (12 Dec 1998) |
| organic stricture | A stricture due to the presence of cicatricial or other new tissue, not spasmodic. Synonym: permanent stricture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| temporary stricture | A stricture due to localised spasm of muscular fibres in the wall of the canal. Synonym: functional stricture, temporary stricture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| urethral stricture | <urology> A narrowing of the urethra that results from inflammation, injury or infection. (27 Sep 1997) |
| functional stricture | A stricture due to localised spasm of muscular fibres in the wall of the canal. Synonym: functional stricture, temporary stricture. (05 Mar 2000) |