Esophageal Dilation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
What do I need to know about esophageal dilation?
Esophageal dilation is a procedure to widen a narrow part of your esophagus. Your healthcare provider will use a dilator (inflatable balloon or another tool that expands) to make the area wider. He or she may also do an endoscopy before or during your esophageal dilation. During an endoscopy, your healthcare provider will use a scope to see inside your esophagus.
How do I prepare for esophageal dilation?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for this procedure. Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicine before the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
- Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure. If you are having general anesthesia, the person needs to stay with you for 24 hours.
- You may need blood or urine tests before your procedure. You may also need to have a barium swallow, x-ray, CT scan, or MRI of your esophagus.
- Tell your provider about any allergies you have. Tell him or her if you had an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
What will happen during esophageal dilation?
- General anesthesia may be given to keep you asleep and free from pain during your procedure. You may instead be given local anesthesia. This is sprayed into your mouth to numb the area and dull the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
- Your healthcare provider will put a scope or dilator into your mouth and guide it down to your esophagus. A sample of tissue may be taken to be tested.
- Your healthcare provider will use a dilator to stretch the narrow part of your esophagus. He or she may repeat this step 1 or 2 times with larger dilators. He or she may place a stent or inject steroid medicine into the area to help prevent it from narrowing again.
What should I expect after esophageal dilation?
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. You may have a sore throat for a few hours after the procedure. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to have dilation again. He or she will tell you how to get the results of any tests done during the procedure.
What are the risks of esophageal dilation?
During the procedure, saliva or stomach fluid may get into your lungs and cause pneumonia. Your esophagus may be damaged and cause bleeding or an infection. You may need another surgery to repair the damage. Even with treatment, your esophagus may become narrow again.
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Further information
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