What is Esophageal Dilation?
Esophageal Dilation is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen a narrowed esophagus, a condition known as esophageal stricture. Narrowing of the esophagus can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), painful swallowing, or food getting stuck in the throat. At Gastrointestinal Medicine Associates, we perform esophageal dilation to provide relief from these symptoms, improving the quality of life for patients with conditions that affect the esophagus, such as GERD, scarring, or tumors.
Why Esophageal Dilation Is Important:
Esophageal stricture can significantly interfere with your ability to eat and drink. Esophageal dilation is an effective solution to restore the natural function of the esophagus by stretching the narrowed area, which allows food and liquids to pass more easily. It is commonly used to treat GERD-related strictures, scar tissue from previous surgeries or radiation, and benign or cancerous growths in the esophagus. The procedure offers immediate symptom relief, allowing patients to resume normal eating and drinking.
How to Prepare for Esophageal Dilation:
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Pre-procedure Instructions:
- Fasting: You will need to avoid eating or drinking for 6–8 hours before the procedure to ensure a clear and safe examination of the esophagus.
- Medications: Inform your doctor if you are taking medications such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, or aspirin, as adjustments may need to be made before the procedure.
- Medical History: Be sure to discuss any prior surgeries or conditions affecting your esophagus, as this information is essential for a safe and effective procedure.
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Before the Procedure:
- Sedation: You will be sedated during the procedure to ensure comfort. A sedative will be administered intravenously, and you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
- Scope and Dilation Device: The procedure involves inserting a flexible endoscope with a balloon or dilator at the tip, which is gently expanded to stretch the narrowed portion of the esophagus.
When to Consider Esophageal Dilation:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Patients with chronic GERD may develop strictures due to the damage caused by stomach acid. Esophageal dilation can provide relief by expanding the narrowed area and restoring normal swallowing function.
- Scar Tissue and Narrowing from Surgery or Radiation: If you have experienced esophageal narrowing due to previous surgery or radiation therapy, dilation can help alleviate swallowing difficulties caused by scar tissue.
- Tumors or Growths in the Esophagus: Benign or malignant tumors can cause narrowing of the esophagus. Dilation may be part of the treatment plan to improve swallowing and maintain nutritional intake.
- Esophageal Motility Disorders: For patients with conditions such as achalasia, esophageal dilation can relieve symptoms by stretching the muscles of the esophagus.
Risks and Considerations:
While esophageal dilation is generally safe, there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as perforation (tearing of the esophagus), bleeding, or infection. These risks are rare, and your doctor will discuss them with you prior to the procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and resume normal activities within 24 hours.