Esophageal Dilation: Before Your Procedure

What is esophageal dilation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that can open up narrow areas of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food to your stomach. When this tube is too narrow, it is hard for food and liquids to pass through. This makes it hard to swallow.

Before the procedure, you will get medicines through a vein (intravenous, I.V.). These medicines reduce pain and will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. You will also get medicine sprayed on the back of your throat to numb it. You may not remember much about the procedure.

The doctor will guide a balloon or a plastic tool (dilator) down your throat and into your esophagus. Then the dilator is expanded, like a balloon filling with air. It widens any narrow parts of your esophagus.

To guide the dilator, the doctor uses an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument. It goes into your mouth and down your throat. Or the doctor may use a thin wire to guide the dilator.

You will stay for a few hours after the procedure to make sure that you are not having any problems.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if you should stop taking it before your surgery. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. These medicines increase the risk of bleeding.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow your doctor's instructions about when to bathe or shower before your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

• Bring a picture ID.
• The procedure will take about 15 to 30 minutes.
• You will get medicine to prevent pain and to relax you. You will also get medicine sprayed on the back of your throat to numb it.
• You will stay at the hospital or surgery center for 1 to 2 hours until the medicine you were given wears off.

When should you call your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.