Why is this procedure done?
The esophagus is a tube that food moves through to get from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal dilation is a procedure used when part of the esophagus becomes narrow. When the esophagus narrows, this condition is called esophageal stricture. ‚
What will the results be?
The narrowed portion of the esophagus will be stretched. This will make swallowing easier. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on the exam table. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be closely checked during the procedure.
- Your doctor will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You may be asleep or awake during the procedure.
- The doctor will spray a numbing drug into your throat. This will help you stay pain free and comfortable during the procedure.
- A flexible tube with a tiny camera inside is put in through your mouth and down into your esophagus. You may feel some pressure on your throat as it passes.
- A special balloon or soft dilators are used to stretch the narrowed part.
- X-rays will be done to see if the esophagus is wide enough.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for 2 to 3 hours. Your doctor will tell you when you can go home.
- Your throat will be sore. Your doctor will give you drugs for this.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- It will be painful to swallow for a few days. Suck on ice chips to help ease throat pain.
- Soft foods like soups and pureed fruits and vegetables will be easier to eat at first. Cold or warm liquids may help soothe your sore throat. You can start eating solid foods when your doctor tells you to.
- Your doctor may tell you to use a saline mouth rinse. Use this after meals or when needed. Mix 1/2 teaspoon or 2.5 grams of salt in 1 cup or 237 mL of water.
- Rest for the rest of the day. Take it easy for a few days.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a dietitian to help with your diet.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Stay away from foods that may bother your throat.
- Prevent heartburn by eating small meals more often. Avoid eating too much in one meal.
What problems could happen?
- Scarring of the esophagus
- Esophagus may have a hole or tear in it
- Narrowing may return
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Throat pain not relieved by drugs
- Throwing up with or without blood
- Problems keeping any food or liquids down
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=392 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚