[Delayed dysphagia after sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Review]

167 of 189 patients were followed prospectively after sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices between 1982 and 1989. 18% developed a stenosis of the lower oesophagus causing dysphagia: 3 of these 30 strictures were malignant and 27 were benign. The former are probably not related to sclerotherapy. 17 of the latter responded to a modified diet and the other 10 required endoscopic dilatation. This was done successfully on an out-patient basis without complication in all cases. We conclude that dysphagia after sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices is common; it is usually caused by a benign stricture: if severe, it responds to endoscopic dilatation.