Esophageal Dilatation
Also known as: esophageal dilation.
What is esophageal dilatation?
If a patient’s esophagus is too narrow, esophageal dilatation is a procedure that can be used to stretch and open it up. This is often used if swallowing food or liquid proves to be difficult.
What happens during the procedure?
An X-ray is used for guidance during the procedure. As the patient lies under general anesthesia, a wire is guided through the mouth and down the esophagus. A balloon is inflated on the wire in order to stretch and open up the esophagus.
Is any special preparation needed?
You may need to avoid food, drink or medication for a set period of time before the procedure.
What are the risk factors?
Bleeding, infection, inflammation or perforation of the esophagus are potential complications of esophageal dilatation.
Reviewed by: Carrie Firestone Baum, MD
This page was last updated on: December 18, 2020 05:22 PM