Strictures, an abnormal narrowing, can affect any vessel, duct or passageway in the body. Symptoms, diagnostic techniques and treatments vary, depending on the location and the amount of limitation caused by the stricture. The seriousness of a stricture can range from mild with minimal or no symptoms to a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Bile Duct Injury, Pancreatitis and Bile Duct Cancer
Bile is produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder and transported from the gallbladder to the small intestine through bile ducts, where it is needed for digesting fat. A biliary stricture, or stricture of the bile duct, can cause symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to MedlinePlus.
Possible causes of a biliary stricture include bile duct cancer, pancreatitis and bile duct injury after surgery to remove the gallbladder. Treatment goal is to open the narrowing of the bile duct to restore the flow of bile. Options include endoscopic dilation, stent placement across the stricture and surgery to remove the stricture.
Esophageal Varices Treatment, Endoscopy, Gastroesophageal Reflux and Feeding Tube
Esophageal varices treatment, gastroesophageal reflux, infection, injuries from using an endoscope and long-term use of a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach are possible causes of an esophageal stricture, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Possible symptoms of an esophageal stricture include difficult and painful swallowing.
Esophageal varices are swollen veins in the lower portion of the esophagus. Bleeding esophageal varices quickly become a life-threatening situation. Treatment options of esophageal varices include variceal ligation using an endoscopic procedure, endoscopic injection and balloon tamponade to stop severe bleeding.
Urethral Injury and Infection
Possible causes for urethral stricture include injuries to the urethra or scarring due to an infection. The two parts of the urethra affected by injuries are anterior urethral trauma, such as a blunt injury to the perineum while on a bicycle, and posterior urethral trauma, such as an automobile accident or fall, according to the UCSF Medical Center.
Possible symptoms of a urethral stricture include the urgency to urinate, dribbling, urinary retention and a slow urine stream. Treatment options to open the stricture or repair the damage depend on the extent and location of the injury and include emergency surgery and placement of a catheter through the abdomen into the bladder.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is the most common gastrointestinal emergency among neonates, reports The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Over 85 percent of NEC occurs in premature infants. Possible symptoms include feeding difficulties, blood in stools, abdominal distention and signs of sepsis such as lethargy and temperature fluctuations.
Possible complications of NEC include intestinal strictures that occur in 10 to 36 percent of infants surviving the initial onset of NEC, according to Merck. The most common location for strictures in NEC are in the left side of the colon. Surgical resection of the stricture is required for treatment.
