Abstract

One hundred cases of benign stricture of the oesophagus treated over a period of 11 years from 1960 to 1971 under the care of the senior author (D.M.M.) at Frenchay Hospital Thoracic Unit are reviewed. The results indicate that the commonest site of the lesion is in the lower third of the oesophagus and that the commonest cause is peptic oesophagitis due to gastric reflux and associated hiatus hernia. As the disease is commoner in the elderly a conservative medical regimen of dilatation, antacids, and posturing is recommended as the first line of treatment. When this fails surgery is necessary. Collis (1965) managed 69 patients by gastroplasty. Belsey (1965) reported his experience with colon transplants, while Brain (1967) and Allison (1970) advised jejunal transplantation. Our experience has shown that in view of the old age and often poor physical condition of these patients resection of the stricture and oesophagogastric anastomosis is a relatively safe and simple procedure. The results obtained indicate that 25% of patients operated on will require future dilatations.