Esophageal dilatation is a medical procedure that is used to widen a narrowed section of the esophagus( a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach).

Narrowing of the esophagus, or better known as esophageal strictures, is a condition that makes swallowing difficult, causes pain while eating and even leads to food getting stuck. Esophageal strictures affect an individual’s quality of life and require treatment to restore the normal functioning of the esophagus. 

Esophageal dilatation is an effective method to provide relief from the discomfort of esophageal strictures. However, the question that most patients have is whether the procedure offers a permanent solution to the issue.

In this blog, you will understand how the procedure works and if it’s the right and long-lasting method to cure the condition. 

What is Esophageal Dilatation?

As stated, esophageal dilatation is an endoscopic procedure that widens the lumen of the esophagus. During the clinical process, a tiny balloon is inserted into the stricture using an endoscope. The balloon is then slowly filled with air to dilate the narrowed section. Once the stricture is widened to the right size, the air is removed from the balloon.

The other techniques used in esophageal dilatation are as follows:

1. Bougie dilators: It is a thin plastic tube that is used to widen the esophagus. 
2. Guided wire dilators: Here, a thin wire is inserted into the esophagus. Then, a dilator that is wider at one end is guided over the wire to widen the narrowed area.

Can You Get Permanent Relief From Strictures Using Esophageal Dilatation? 

Esophageal dilatation is often the first line of treatment for esophageal strictures. While the intervention provides significant and immediate relief from the discomfort of strictures, there is still a 10%-20% chance of re-stenosis.

The stricture might again come back if its underlying cause, such as GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis or tumours, is not managed properly. In that case, patients need repeated dilatation depending on the severity of the condition.

Moreover, the effectiveness of esophageal dilatation also depends on how well the patient is responding to the treatment. In some patients, esophageal dilatation is combined with medicines, dietary precautions and lifestyle changes.

Make sure to talk to your gastroenterologist to know if you are the right candidate for the treatment to manage the condition and reduce the chance of its recurrence.

Advantages of Esophageal Dilatation

Here are some of the key advantages of undergoing esophageal dilatation.

1. Improved nutrition: After the esophagus is widened, it becomes easier for the patients to eat solids and liquids, thereby ensuring adequate nutritional intake. 
2. Enhanced quality of life: Esophageal dilatation improves the normal functioning of the esophagus. Hence, there is reduced discomfort and patients experience an improved quality of life.
3. Non-invasive: It is minimally invasive, and hence there is no bleeding and pain.

Final Words

Esophageal dilatation is an effective and widely used procedure for esophageal strictures. However, the key to its success depends on its cause and the patient’s responsiveness to the treatment. Hence, if you are suffering from swallowing difficulties, consult your gastroenterologist for proper evaluation and management.