Benign esophageal strictures are defined as a narrowing of the esophageal lumen not directly related to neoplastic or functional pathology. They represent a frequent cause of dysphagia. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy plays a central role, both diagnostically and therapeutically, through dilation techniques or stent placement. This study aimed to describe the etiological and therapeutic profile of benign esophageal strictures.

This was a retrospective observational study. We reviewed all medical records of patients diagnosed with benign esophageal strictures over a 5-year period, from January 2020 to January 2025.

Among 48 patients presenting with dysphagia, 29 had benign esophageal strictures (60.4%). There was a slight female predominance (51.7%), with a median age of 49 years (range 5–81). Past medical history included gastroesophageal reflux disease in 55.2%, esogastric surgery in 34.5%, anemia in 24.1%, caustic ingestion in 24.1%, toxic habits in 24.1%, and a history of radiotherapy in 20.7%. Clinically, dysphagia was constant—most often distal (82.8%)—and was frequently associated with weight loss (58.6%), odynophagia (48.3%), and anemia (34.5%). Upper endoscopy revealed peptic strictures (27.6%), caustic strictures (24.1%), postoperative strictures (17.2%), Plummer–Vinson syndrome (13.8%), post-radiation strictures (6.9%), and two cases of epidermolysis bullosa with esophageal involvement and extrinsic compression (3.4% each). Management relied on balloon dilation (55.2%), bougie dilation (41.4%), and metallic stent placement (13.8%). Clinical evolution showed complete symptom resolution in 69% of cases. Immediate complications were rare. In the medium term, post-dilation gastroesophageal reflux occurred in 17.2%, and stricture recurrence in 55.2%.

In our cohort, benign esophageal strictures were predominantly peptic and caustic, accounting for more than 51.7% of cases. Upper endoscopy remains essential for both etiological diagnosis and treatment through dilation or stenting. However, the high recurrence rate highlights the need for close and prolonged follow-up.