Our Gastroenterology Specialists Can Help Detect Esophageal Conditions
If you have experienced long-term issues with severe heartburn or acid reflux, you know frightening, painful, and discomforting it can be. When these conditions persist, your esophagus is at risk of scarring. The esophagus is a muscular tube which carries food from your mouth to your stomach. In some cases, chronic heartburn or acid-reflux can lead to esophageal stricture — which is the narrowing of the esophagus. The stomach acid that is pushed up through the esophagus can cause burning and scarring, making it more difficult to swallow foods.
Esophageal dilatation is a gastrointestinal procedure gastroenterologists use to stretch the narrowed area of your esophagus and return normal function.
At Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, our gastroenterology specialists can provide esophageal testing treatment to determine the cause of esophageal conditions, like difficulty swallowing or heartburn, that patients are experiencing. We’ll provide you with the right treatment to ensure you can live a more comfortable life.
Reasons to Consider Scheduling Esophageal Dilation
Esophageal dilation side effects are very minimal
The procedure is fast and causes little discomfort or pain
Effective at relieving esophageal stricture
Allows patients relief from experiencing difficulty swallowing
Our gastroenterology specialists make sure your comfort is maintained
Esophageal Dilation Overview
Esophageal dilation is a procedure that our gastroenterologists use to dilate/stretch the narrowed portion of the esophagus to provide relief for patients that are experiencing trouble swallowing — or the feeling that food feels like it is “stuck” in the chest region — causing discomfort or pain. The procedure can be performed as a part of an upper endoscopy and typically involves the use of small inflatable balloons or plastic dilators to safely stretch the esophagus.
What to Expect
Depending on your condition and symptoms, your gastrointestinal specialist may perform an esophageal dilation with sedation along with an upper endoscopy — an examination of the upper GI tract, including your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of your small intestine. Upon examination, your gastroenterology specialist will then determine if dilation is required based on the condition of the esophagus. If it is required, the procedure will be carried out with an inflatable balloon or with flexible, plastic dilators. The process is quick, doesn’t interrupt your breathing, and causes minimal discomfort. There will be a brief recovery period in a designated room if you are on a sedative and your doctor will review the results of the procedure. As far as esophageal dilation side effects go, it is common to feel temporary cramping or bloating and/or have a sore-feeling throat. These side effects typically improve in a day's time.
How to Prep for an Esophageal Dilation
Patients that are undergoing esophageal dilation are typically asked to not have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the evening before the procedure. If your esophageal testing procedure is scheduled in the afternoon, you may be instructed to have an early clear liquid breakfast. An exception to this is prescription medication. You can take these in the morning or afternoon of your scheduled examination with a few sips of water. It is especially important to take any high blood pressure or heart medication. While most medications can be continued, it is a good idea to notify your doctor of any medications that you are taking.