Background and objective: Oesophageal strictures and oesophagitis belong to the most common visceral symptoms of systemic scleroderma. A case of a female patient with severe benign oesophageal stricture due to systemic scleroderma is described. Material and methods: The patient was treated by balloon dilatations and metallic stents insertion. Results and conclusion: Repeated oesophageal balloon dilatation is the method of choice in the treatment of patients with systemic scleroderma. Metallic stent insertion can help to improve the quality of life of patients, however, the effect of treatment is shortlasting and it should be recommended as the palliative method only in cases with poor prognosis.

        Key words: systemic scleroderma - oesophagus - balloon dilatation - stent