Is a benign cbd stricture also considered as an obstruction of the common bile duct?

Yes, a benign stricture can cause partial or complete obstruction of the common bile duct and a stent is usually placed in if obstruction complete, near total or causing symptoms.

If strictures make the lumen blocked, it is obstruction Lumen can also be compressed by external mass, it will also obstruction. Whenever bile cannot flow freely, there is obstruction: partial or complete. It is also noteworthy that cysts, gall stones, inflammation of bile ducts, scarring injuries by gallbladder surgery can cause obstruction, also tumors of bile ducts& pancreas. Hope it helps.