[Conservative treatment of florid peptic esophageal stenosis. Complete elimination by dilatation and omeprazole in H2-blocker refractory cases]

Abstract

23 patients with severe reflux oesophagitis complicated by peptic erosive strictures requiring dilatation and resistant to H2-blocker therapy were treated with the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole (initial dosing: 40 mg daily) and dilated. Combination of dilatations (median 2, range 1 to 12 courses) and omeprazole therapy facilitated complete resolution of strictures and disappearance of peptic lesions after four and eight weeks in 30% and 70%, respectively. In all remaining cases healing could be achieved by perpetuation of omeprazole therapy though three patients (13%) required omeprazole doses higher than 40 mg daily for healing and maintenance. Follow-up investigations available in 17 patients during continuation of omeprazole therapy revealed no recurrence of strictures. It is concluded that more pronounced and particularly longer lasting inhibition of acid secretion is effective even in these most severe cases of reflux oesophagitis.