Schatzkis Ring - Information on Schatzki Ring and its uses

Many years ago, Schatzki described a smooth, benign, circumferential, and narrow ring of tissue in the lower end of the esophagus (the food pipe that connects the mouth to the stomach). These rings are located just above the junction between the esophagus and the stomach.

These rings are very common, occurring in more than 6% of the population. The cause of these rings is not clearly understood, while some doctors believe they are caused by long term damage from stomach acid reflux.

Causes of Schatzkis Ring

Physicians disagree on the cause of this disorder, unless it obviously follows ingestion of caustic material such as lye or strong acids. It may be a congenital defect (present from before birth). Alternatively, it may be related to chronic injury caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acid leaks into the esophagus and irritates it.

Treatment of Schatzkis Ring

Treatment involves the (endoscopic) mechanical disruption of the ring or a esophageal dilation procedure (enlarging the lumen). The Gastroenterologist is the expert in the evaluation of this problem.

Symptoms of Schatzkis Ring

• Most are over 20 millimeters in diameter and are asymptomatic.
• Solid food dysphagia (difficulty swallowing solid food) most often occurs with rings less than 13 mm in diameter.
• The dysphagia is usually intermittent and is not progressive.
• Large, poorly digested food such as steak are most likely to cause problems.
• Drinking extra liquids or regurgitation may relieve the obstruction.