Esophageal Dilatation
Esophageal Dilatation
Esophageal dilatation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube].
Why is Esophageal Dilation Done?
The most common cause of narrowing of the esophagus, or stricture, is scarring of the esophagus from reflux of stomach acid occurring in patients with heartburn.
Patients with a narrowed portion of the esophagus often have trouble swallowing; food feels like it is “stuck” in the chest region, causing discomfort or pain. Less common causes of esophageal narrowing are webs or rings (which are thin layers of excess tissue), cancer of the esophagus, scarring after radiation treatment or a disorder of the way the esophagus moves [motility disorder].
What Can I expect during my procedure?
Your doctor might perform esophageal dilation with sedation along with an upper endoscopy. Your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing. At this point, your doctor will determine whether to use a dilating balloon or plastic dilators over a guiding wire to stretch your esophagus. You might experience mild pressure in the back of your throat or in your chest during the procedure.
What can I expect after my procedure?
You may have a mild sore throat or hoarseness after the procedure. This is because of the tube and the anesthetic. You may feel nauseated, this sometimes happens because of the medications that are used. Most patients experience no symptoms after this procedure and can resume eating the next day, but you might experience a mild sore throat for the remainder of the day. You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure even though you might not feel tired. You should arrange for someone to accompany you home because the sedatives might affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day.
Ride Policy
Please be aware that for your safety, Southwestern Endoscopy Center has a Ride Home Policy. It is imperative that you are aware of and understand this policy prior to your procedure.
Patients should be accompanied home by a responsible adult known to the patient 16 or older.
Acceptable alternatives when the patient has no responsible adult available to drive them home are as follows:
Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation F.A.C.T https://www.factbus.com/schedules.htm
Green County Transportation https://www.co.greene.pa.us/department-transportation-services
If you don’t have a driver we will cancel your procedure.
Don’t forget!
Bring insurance card and photo ID 📇
Please wear a mask upon entry to the facility 😷
Plan to be here for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours 🕜
Contact Us
Southwestern Endoscopy Center
302 Spring Creek Lane
Uniontown, PA 15401
Phone: (724) 439-8906
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Procedure Hours:
Mon - Fri: 6:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.