ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION AND ENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ESOPHAGEAL STRICTURES: A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY FROM NORTH EASTERN INDIA

D. Tongper, M. Lyngdoh, Y. Hynniewta, K. G. Lynrah*, K. Marbaniang

Introduction: Dysphagia is an alarming distressing symptom that requires a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Esophageal stricture is the condition where there is significant narrowing of the esophageal lumen and is usually symptomatic. Esophageal strictures are one amongst the various common causes of dysphagia. There are numerous disorders that cause esophageal strictures and vary from benign to malignant. Upper GI Endoscopy is an important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of esophageal strictures and it is the preferred diagnostic modality since endoscopic interventions can also be offerd to relieve the symptoms. Esophageal dilatation for treatment of strictures is a safe and preferred therapeutic options, it has a good outcome with only minor adverse effects. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital based retrospective observational study carried out over a period of five years in a tertiary teaching Institute from January 2021 to December 2025. All patients who were referred for upper GI endoscopy for evaluation of dysphagia, diagnosed with esophageal stricture were included in the study and all patients with esophageal strictures were taken up for dilatation. Results: Out of 1508 patients referred for evaluation of dysphagia, 61patients had esophageal strictures. Male consist of 40 patients and Females 21 with a male to female ratio of 1.9:1. Patient age ranged between 19 and 75 years, overall the mean age of the study population was 52.39 ± 12.16 years. All patients with esophageal strictures were taken up for endoscopic dilatations. Conclusion: UGI Endoscopy is an important diagnostic tool for evaluation of patients suffering from esophageal strictures. The lesions can be diagnosed with greater precision as direct visualization of the site of the lesion as well as the ability for collection of biopsy and various therapeutic endoscopic interventions can be carried out.