Early Versus Late Endoscopic Stenting for Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures

Inclusion Criteria: * Able to give informed and written consent. * Able to keep follow up appointments as per protocol (minimum 2 years). * Biopsy proven benign esophageal stricture. * Dysphagia (grade 2 and above). * Fit to undergo upper GI endoscopy. * Documented esophageal stricture with a luminal diameter \<14 mm at index endoscopy. Exclusion Criteria: * Minimal dysphagia (grade 0-1) * Neuromuscular dysphagia (such as achalasia, oro-pharyngeal dysphagia post-stroke, crico-pharyngeal bar, Zenker diverticulum etc.) * Pregnant or planning to be pregnant during the study period. * Malignant or indeterminate esophageal stricture. * Actively receiving radiation therapy. * Persistent associated active esophagitis that has not yet healed. * Esophageal strictures associated with fistula/leaks/current or prior perforation. * Eosinophilic esophagitis. * Associated esophageal varices. * No other malignancy limiting life expectancy. * Patients in whom placing esophageal stents is not possible/contraindicated (such as high cervical esophageal strictures, active bleeding, metal allergy, tortuous esophagus, pseudodiverticulum with stricture). * Previous esophageal stent tried over 2 months ago * Significant comorbidities making patient high risk for upper GI endoscopy. * Unable to give informed consent. * Cannot keep follow up appointments as per protocol. * Procedures and stents not covered by patient's insurance. * Patients who, after comprehensive discussion and explanation of both the early-stent and late-stent approaches, choose to proceed with a specific approach and decline participation in randomization.