You have been advised to have a narrowing (stricture) of your oesophagus (gullet) stretched to improve your swallowing: this is known as oesophageal dilatation.
Before the procedure
You will be asked to eat or drink nothing for 6 hours before the procedure.
When having your gullet stretched, you will usually be given an intravenous sedative beforehand.
The procedure is usually very straightforward. It will initially involve a gastroscopy to examine the area of narrowing (see gastroscopy leaflet).
We can use two methods to stretch the gullet and this will be decided by the endoscopist. A series of tapered dilators or a balloon can be used to stretch the narrowed area of the gullet. Sometimes x-ray is used.
Risks
Oesophageal dilatation is an operation or treatment and does carry a small risk of perforation or bleeding. If the narrowing is benign (noncancerous), due to longstanding acidity in the oesophagus with subsequent scarring, the risk is very slight with perforation occurring in less that 1 in 250 procedures. However, if the stricture is caused by cancer or swallowing a corrosive liquid, the risk may be greater than 1 in 50 procedures. Occasionally bleeding may occur from abnormal tissue such as a cancerous narrowing of the oesophagus.
After the procedure
After dilatation you will be taken to the recovery area to rest for one hour. It is quite likely that your throat will feel slightly sore. It is important to tell the nursing staff if you have any pain. You will be given only sips of water and allowed home if your swallowing is satisfactory.
Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature will be taken before discharge. On discharge you will be advised to have a cool liquid diet for four hours and soft diet (no lumps) and cool liquids for 24 hours.
After leaving hospital you should not experience anything other than minor discomfort in the throat. If you have bleeding, chest pain or other new symptoms seek advice from the Gastro Unit on the number below.
If you have any problems following your endoscopy please phone the Gastro Unit on 01253 953011 between 7.45am and 6.00pm or out of hours/during weekends and bank holidays please contact Ward 2 on 01253 953402
Access from the main hospital multistorey car park
We are located in Area 6 - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit, highlighted in orange on the main hospital map. Follow the signs for the Main Hospital up the escalator/lift towards Area 6, second corridor on the left. Follow the signs down the link corridor, exit to the right via the side door (external) which is signposted for Patient Entrance to Reception.
Access for drop off/collection only & disability parking
Enter via East Park Drive and follow the road up the hill, take the second left signposted for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Unit Drop Off Only, follow the road round to the right.
