PROCEDURES - Esophageal Dilatation Expectations

During the upper endoscopy procedure, your doctor may see an area in the esophagus that is narrowed. If that is the case, he or she may decide to perform dilation. There are a number of different techniques to do this. Some involve passing rubber tubes, also called bougies, down the esophagus. Smaller tubes are used first, then gradually larger ones are passed. This gently stretches the narrowed area, to allow food to pass more easily. Another option is the use of balloons, which can be passed through the endoscope into the narrowed area. They are then inflated, stretching the narrowed area. These balloons can even be adjusted for size to meet the individual needs of patients.

Since patients are sedated for the procedure, you will not feel any of this. Some patients may feel some soreness in the throat after the procedures - this generally goes away over the next 24 hours. Patients with particularly narrowed areas may need repeat dilations - your doctor will review all the findings with you and recommend if any further treatment is necessary.

Learn more about expectations for the upper endoscopy procedure, during which your dilation will take place.