What Is The Procedure Called For Stretching The Esophagus?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube].

What is the procedure to expand the esophagus?

• A gastroenterologist may perform a procedure to expand (dilate) the esophagus. This treatment is generally used only when the narrowing is very severe or food has become lodged in the esophagus. In esophageal dilation, your doctor uses one or more endoscopic devices — small narrow tubes inserted through the esophagus.

How long does it take to recover from esophageal dilation?

Following your dilation, you’ll spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours recovering before you can go home. Avoid all solid foods for at least two to four hours after your procedure—ingesting liquids, only.

Is stretching your esophagus considered surgery?

When you have difficulty swallowing food due to a narrowed esophagus, your doctor might recommend undergoing esophageal dilation. This procedure involves stretching your esophagus in order to open it up more.

Are you awake during esophageal dilation?

Esophageal dilation is minimally invasive, and does not typically require incisions or stitches. Patients remain awake during the procedure, which takes around 15 minutes, and are able to go home the same day.

Is esophageal stretching painful?

Little discomfort or pain. Effective at relieving esophageal stricture. Side effects are usually minimal (such as a sore throat) One procedure is usually all that’s needed.

What are the side effects of having your esophagus stretched?

Are There Side Effects and/or Risks to an Esophageal Dilation?

• Your throat may feel sore for a day after dilation but usually improves within 24 hours.
• Localized irritation of the vein where the medication was injected may cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually.

What are the symptoms of needing your esophagus stretched?

Typical symptoms include:

• difficult or painful swallowing.
• unintended weight loss.
• regurgitation of food or liquids.
• sensation of something stuck in the chest after you eat.
• frequent burping or hiccups.
• heartburn.

What type of doctor performs esophageal dilation?

Your healthcare provider will likely send you to either an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) or, more likely, a gastroenterologist (stomach and bowel disorder doctor) in order to have this procedure performed.

What is the success rate of esophageal dilation?

More than 80–90 % of esophageal strictures can be treated successfully with endoscopic dilation using Savary bougies or balloons. Esophageal dilation is a procedure with a very low rate of serious complications, mainly bleeding and perforation [3–5].

What happens after esophagus stretching?

What Can I Expect after Esophageal Dilation? After the dilation is done, you will probably be observed for a short period of time and then allowed to return to your normal activities. You may resume drinking when the anesthetic no longer causes numbness to your throat, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

What is the difference between dilatation and dilation?

Dilation and dilatation are two terms used interchangeably to describe different types of enlargements in medicine and biology. The main difference between dilation and dilatation is that dilation describes the passive enlargements whereas dilatation describes active enlargements.

Is an endoscopy a surgical procedure?

This type of surgery is performed using a scope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip. This allows your surgeon to see inside your colon and perform procedures without making major incisions, allowing for easier recovery time and less pain and discomfort.

What can cause your esophagus to narrow?

The most common cause of an esophageal stricture is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus and causes esophageal inflammation, which can lead to scarring and narrowing over time.

What can you eat after getting your esophagus stretched?

You may have your usual diet after the procedure. Chew your food well to make it easier to swallow. Eat soft foods if you still have problems swallowing. Some soft foods include applesauce, baby food, bananas, cooked cereal, cottage cheese, eggs, gelatin, pudding, and yogurt.

How long does balloon dilation last?

The balloon was inflated once per procedure in 21 of 74 (28.3%) dilations and twice per procedure in 53 of 74 (72.7%). The duration of the inflation ranged from 30 s to 2 min (median 93 s) and in each procedure obliteration of the balloon “waist” was fluoroscopically noted.

Can a narrow esophagus cause shortness of breath?

This may result in dysphagia – or difficulty swallowing. Passage of food or liquid may be impaired through the esophagus with a sensation of fullness in the chest, a pressure-like sensation, shortness of breath, and inability to swallow food, liquids, or saliva.