Oesophageal Dilatation
Oesophageal dilatation is a medical procedure used to widen the narrowed or blocked oesophagus (gullet) to improve the passage of food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. This procedure is commonly performed in patients with specific conditions that affect the oesophagus.
Oesophageal dilatation involves the insertion of an endoscope into the oesophagus to identify the narrowed area. A balloon or other instrument is then used to gently widen the constricted section. The procedure is typically done under sedation or general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.
Why Do You Do This Procedure?
Oesophageal dilatation is performed to:
- Alleviate symptoms caused by narrowing or stricture in the oesophagus, such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), regurgitation of food, and chest pain.
- Improve the quality of life for patients who experience chronic difficulty swallowing or feeding difficulties.
- Prevent complications associated with strictures, such as aspiration (food entering the airway) or malnutrition due to impaired food intake.
When Does This Procedure Happen?
Oesophageal dilatation is considered when:
- Symptoms of swallowing difficulty or food getting stuck are present and do not respond to medical treatment.
- Imaging studies (such as a barium swallow or endoscopy) reveal a narrowing or stricture in the oesophagus.
- A patient with a known condition such as achalasia (a condition where the oesophagus does not relax properly) or eosinophilic oesophagitis develops increasing difficulty in swallowing.
What Condition Does This Treat?
Oesophageal dilatation treats conditions that cause narrowing of the oesophagus, including:
- Achalasia: A disorder affecting the oesophagus where the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to relax, leading to food not passing easily into the stomach.
- Eosinophilic oesophagitis: An allergic reaction in the oesophagus that leads to inflammation and scarring, causing narrowing.
- Benign strictures: Narrowing of the oesophagus due to conditions like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), radiotherapy, or following surgery.
- Symptoms: Oesophageal dilatation is used to relieve symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, and regurgitation due to these conditions.
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