[Schatzki's ring].

Abstract

We review the incidence, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of lower esophageal or Schatzki's rings. In patients with dysphagia caused by this ring, medical and dietetic treatment is the first step, and dilatation should be reserved for cases of failure of this treatment. Surgery is rarely needed, being indicated only in cases of recurrence or failure of dilatation treatment. In these cases, complete excision of the ring and end-to-end anastomosis of the gastric and esophageal mucosa through a gastrostomy is recommended before antireflux surgery is considered.