What Is The Procedure For Stretching The Esophagus? (Correct answer)

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube]. Doctors can use various techniques for this procedure. Your doctor might perform the procedure as part of a sedated endoscopy.

What can I do to strengthen my esophageal sphincter?

• Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
• Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which,in turn,leads to belching and reflux.
• Do not lie down immediately after eating.
• Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
• Eat small,frequent portions of food and snack if needed.

How long does esophageal dilation procedure take?

The procedure will take about 15 to 30 minutes. The doctor may spray medicine on the back of your throat to numb it. You also will get medicine to prevent pain and to relax you. You will stay at the hospital or surgery centre for 1 to 2 hours until the medicine you were given wears off.

Does stretching your esophagus hurt?

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.

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.

How is stretching the esophagus done?

How is Esophageal Stretching Performed? Esophageal stretching widens a narrowed area of your esophagus. It’s typically performed under sedation along with an upper endoscopy, an incision-free, image-guided procedure that takes about 15 minutes.

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.

Are you awake when they stretch your esophagus?

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.

How long is recovery after esophagus stretching?

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.

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 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.

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.

How can I naturally relax my esophagus?

Let foods and drinks that are very hot or very cold sit for a bit before eating or drinking them. Suck a peppermint lozenge. Peppermint oil is a smooth muscle relaxant and might help ease esophageal spasms. Place the peppermint lozenge under your tongue.

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.

Does stretching the esophagus help with acid reflux?

GERD is the most common cause of strictures, but cancer and other issues can also cause them. A dilation procedure can widen the esophagus and reduce symptoms.