Esophageal Dilation: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

You had an esophageal dilation. This procedure can open up narrow areas of the esophagus.

After the procedure, you will stay at the hospital or surgery center for 1 to 2 hours. This will allow the medicine to wear off and to make sure that you're not having any problems.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Rest as much as you need to after you go home.
• You should be able to go back to your usual activities the day after the procedure.

Diet

• Follow your doctor's directions for eating after the procedure.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor has told you not to).

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• If you have a sore throat the day after the procedure, use an over-the-counter spray to numb your throat. Sucking on throat lozenges and gargling with warm salt water may also help relieve your symptoms.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have trouble breathing.
• Your stools are maroon or very bloody.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse belly pain.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have nausea or vomiting and can't keep down fluids.
• You have a fever.
• You have new or more blood in your stools.
• You cannot pass stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your throat still hurts after a day or two.
• You do not get better as expected.