Esophageal Dilation

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KEY POINTS

• Esophageal dilation is a procedure to widen part of your esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach.
• Your healthcare provider will insert a long, flexible tube with a scope into your mouth and esophagus to open your esophagus.
• You may need to have this procedure done several times.

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What is esophageal dilation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure to widen part of your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Your healthcare provider can use a small balloon or tool such as a dilator to widen the esophagus.

When is it used?

This procedure is done when you have a medical problem that has caused your esophagus to have a blockage, narrowing, or other problem that is making it hard for you to swallow.

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before or after the procedure, especially blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It’s best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic before the procedure to numb your esophagus. You may be given medicine to help you relax.

Your healthcare provider will insert a long, flexible tube with a scope into your mouth and down to the narrow part of your esophagus. He or she will then insert a balloon or a guide wire through the tube. Your provider will carefully expand the balloon or slide a tool (dilator) over the guide wire to open your esophagus. You may have a feeling of pressure during the procedure. After the procedure is done, your provider will remove the tube, and balloon or tool. You may need to have this procedure repeated several times in the future to help open the narrow part of your esophagus.

What happens after the procedure?

After the procedure you may stay in a recovery area for at least a half an hour.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• Your esophagus may tear and need surgical repair.
• You may have infection or bleeding.

You should ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you.