GI tract strictures

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract strictures happen when parts of your digestive system get too narrow. 

This makes it hard for food and waste to move through your stomach and intestines.

Strictures can result from conditions like Crohn’s disease. Scar tissue can also make the intestines smaller.

If you have signs of a GI tract stricture, your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologist. This is a physician who specializes in digestive and gastrointestinal conditions.

The gastroenterologist may perform an upper GI endoscopy. In this test, the doctor uses a thin, lighted tube called an endoscope. This lets them see inside your esophagus and stomach. They can also see the duodenum, which is the first part of your small intestine.

We may also recommend other imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans.

We use different methods to treat and manage GI tract strictures. 

• Medications like steroids can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.
• Diet and lifestyle changes can help. Eating smaller, more frequent meals makes it easier for food to move through your digestive system. We may also recommend avoiding certain foods. 
• Regular check-ups are important. This lets us keep an eye on your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.

In some cases, we may need to do surgery to widen the narrowed part of the digestive system. Procedures we do include:

• Strictureplasty, where we expand the tight areas of the intestines. 
• Endoscopic balloon dilation, where we use a balloon to stretch a narrowed part of the bowel.

Clinics that treat GI tract strictures

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in treatments for bile duct strictures are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this field. Please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about heart disease. You can also help us find better ways to help people like you live and thrive. Even if you don't benefit directly, your participation can help care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information. You can also contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.