ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

Which is the recommended treatment for benign esophageal stricture disease?

1. Esophageal dilation

2. Esophogram

3. H2 blockers

4. Radiation treatment

The correct answer is: Esophageal dilation

The recommended treatment for benign esophageal stricture disease is esophageal dilation. This procedure involves the mechanical widening of the esophagus, which can help alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) that result from the narrowing of the esophagus. Benign esophageal strictures can occur due to various factors, such as inflammation, scar tissue from previous injuries, or long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Esophageal dilation can be performed using different techniques, including balloon dilation or the use of rigid dilators, and is often done during an endoscopic procedure. This treatment is generally effective, provides immediate relief from symptoms, and can often be repeated if necessary. Other options like an esophogram, which is a diagnostic imaging study to visualize the esophagus, do not treat the condition but rather help confirm its presence. H2 blockers are medications that reduce stomach acid and are more useful for managing conditions like GERD but do not directly address strictures. Radiation treatment is typically reserved for malignant conditions rather than benign changes and is not applicable here. Overall, esophageal dilation is the primary intervention for managing benign strictures, focusing on restoring the normal lumen of the esophagus and improving patient quality of life.