Understanding Esophageal Dilation

What is an esophageal dilation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows a doctor to dilate and stretch a narrowed area of a patient’s esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. It is about eight inches long and lined with pink tissue called the mucosa. There are various techniques used for this procedure. A physician can apply a local anesthetic spray and pass a weighted dilator through the mouth and into the esophagus, or they may also perform the procedure in conjunction with a sedated endoscopy. This procedure is used to treat the narrowing of the esophagus caused by scarring from the reflux of stomach acid, webs or rings of excess tissue, scarring after radiation treatments, cancer of the esophagus, or esophageal disorders related to motility. If the esophagus has narrowed, the patient may experience trouble swallowing, pain or discomfort in the chest, and the sensation that food becomes stuck in the chest region.

What is an esophageal dilation procedure like?

To prepare for an esophageal dilation, a patient should fast for six hours prior to the procedure. They should also inform their doctor of any medication or supplements they are taking, especially medications such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or blood-thinners. The patient should also notify their doctor if they have any allergies to medications and if they have conditions such as heart or lung disease. The patient may also need to take antibiotics prior to the procedure. The procedure may be performed with sedation along with an upper endoscopy, or a physician may use a local anesthetic and give the patient sedatives. If an upper endoscopy is performed, an endoscope will be passed through the mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The doctor will then determine whether to use a dilating balloon or a plastic dilator over a guiding wire in order to stretch the esophagus.  If the doctor performs the procedure with a local anesthetic, they will use a tapered dilating instrument and guide it through the mouth and into the esophagus. X-rays may also be taken during the procedure.

After the procedure, patients may require a ride home due to the sedatives. Most patients can resume eating the day after the procedure. A patient should contact their doctor if they experience chest pain, fever, trouble breathing, bleeding or black bowel movements, or difficulty swallowing after the procedure. Depending on the cause of the narrowing of the esophagus, the patient may be required to undergo additional esophageal dilations in the future. 

Contact Granite State Gastroenterology to learn more about this procedure and if it could help treat any of your symptoms or conditions.