Esophageal Dilation
What Is Esophageal Dilation?
Esophageal dilation is a procedure used to widen a narrowed area of the esophagus, making it easier and more comfortable to swallow. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. When the esophagus becomes narrowed, a condition known as an esophageal stricture, food can have difficulty passing through normally.
Esophageal narrowing can develop for several reasons, including chronic acid reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis, scarring, or other conditions affecting the esophagus. At Birmingham Gastroenterology, our specialists use esophageal dilation to help restore the normal passage of food and improve swallowing symptoms.
Why Is Esophageal Dilation Needed?
Your gastroenterologist may recommend esophageal dilation if you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or if testing shows that your esophagus has become narrowed.
Common reasons for esophageal narrowing include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Esophageal strictures caused by scar tissue
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Esophageal rings or webs
- Previous injury or procedures involving the esophagus
- Certain other esophageal conditions
Symptoms of a narrowed esophagus may include difficulty swallowing solid foods, a sensation that food is getting stuck, chest discomfort when eating, or needing to drink liquids to help food pass.
How Is Esophageal Dilation Performed?
Esophageal dilation is typically performed during an upper endoscopy. After you receive appropriate sedation, your gastroenterologist guides a thin, flexible endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus.
Depending on your condition, the narrowed area may be gently widened using a specialized balloon or dilating instrument. Your provider may also take tissue samples during the procedure if additional evaluation is needed.
The goal is to safely widen the narrowed portion of the esophagus while minimizing discomfort and reducing the risk of complications.
What to Expect After Esophageal Dilation
Most patients can return home the same day after the procedure. You may experience a mild sore throat or temporary chest discomfort following dilation, but these symptoms generally improve quickly.
Your provider will give you specific instructions about eating and drinking after the procedure. Depending on the underlying cause of the narrowing, additional treatments or follow-up procedures may be recommended to help prevent its recurrence.
Benefits of Esophageal Dilation
Esophageal dilation can help:
- Improve difficulty swallowing
- Make eating and drinking more comfortable
- Reduce the sensation of food becoming stuck
- Improve the passage of food through the esophagus
- Address symptoms caused by an esophageal stricture or narrowing
Because esophageal dilation treats the narrowing itself, your gastroenterologist will also evaluate and treat the underlying condition whenever possible.
Risks and Considerations
Esophageal dilation is generally considered a safe procedure, but as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks. These may include bleeding, chest discomfort, or, rarely, a tear or perforation of the esophagus.
Your Birmingham Gastroenterology provider will discuss the procedure, potential risks, and any questions you have before treatment.
Why Choose Birmingham Gastroenterology?
Birmingham Gastroenterology provides advanced evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the esophagus, including esophageal strictures and narrowing. Our experienced gastroenterologists use advanced endoscopic techniques to diagnose the cause of swallowing difficulties and determine whether esophageal dilation is appropriate.
Our team takes a personalized approach to care, addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying condition that may be contributing to esophageal narrowing.
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing or feel like food is getting stuck when you eat, schedule an appointment with Birmingham Gastroenterology by calling (205) 271-8000.