Esophageal Stricture After Hospitalization

[LogicLady]

Hi!

In November 2016 I had 2 gallstones removed, then in mid December I had my gallbladder removed laparoscopically (by a different dr.) which resulted in being hospitalized with complications including an abscess in abdomen, hole in duodenum, as well as having to have bile stents and bile bags put in for a period of time. I was discharged at the end of January. In February, when the time came to remove the last stent, the dr. could not remove it because I developed an esophageal stricture. He said it was a 1/4 of the size it typically should be. The dr. who removed the gallstones is the same one who discovered the stricture. If there had been any issue in November I'm sure he would have mentioned it (I trust this dr.)

That being said I have a few questions:

Is it normal for a stricture to develop so quickly?

Would the bile injures be a possible cause instead for the stricture instead of GERD? (Never really thought I had any GERD issues, but now the dr. wants me to continue taking omeprazole for life)

What is the average diameter of the esophagus? (The dr. had me up to 17mm at one point, but it shrank back down to 12mm, with him eventually stopping at 16mm. Took a total of 6 dilations.)

How common are esophageal strictures?

Does having an esophageal stricture make me more prone to getting esophageal cancer?

And last, how likely is it that a stricture will return?

It's impossible to think of all these questions to ask the dr. right on the spot, especially after being on anesthesia, so am hoping for a little more insight here. Also if it helps, during the last biopsy, the results said "acute ulcerative esophagitis" and "squamoglandular mucosa with chronic inflammation of the glandular
component".

Thank you for any insight anyone may be able to give!

[LogicLady]

I forgot to mention/ask 2 more things.

Since about the last 2 dilations, when I lay down at night I will sometimes get a low croaking sound in my throat. Does anyone know what this could be?

It was noted when I was in the hospital that I had delayed gastric emptying. Could this have caused the stricture, or could the stricture have caused the delayed gastric emptying?