Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Robotic Myotomy and Partial Fundoplication for Achalasia
Published on: August 11, 2023
Opioid-Induced Esophageal Dysmotility (OIED) - A Case Report
Victoria Halasz1, Leonhard Knittel1, Mark Robert Fox2,3
1Center for Integrative Gastroenterology, Klinik Arlesheim AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Recent studies have shown that chronic opioid use is associated with an increased risk of symptomatic esophageal motility disorders. Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) is most often identified in patients taking high doses of opioids. This condition is associated with poorer treatment outcomes than primary motility disorders and management of these cases is further complicated by the presence of chronic pain, opioid addiction, and physical and psychological comorbidity.We present the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian woman with OIED, induced by the chronic intake of low-dose Fentanyl and Tramadol prescribed to treat severe back pain. The clinical course highlights the sometimes difficult diagnosis and management of this recently recognized condition.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...

