What is Esophagus Stretching: A Comprehensive Guide

Esophagus stretching, also known as esophageal dilation, is a medical procedure used to widen the esophagus to alleviate discomfort and improve swallowing. This brief guide aims to provide an easy-to-understand overview of esophagus stretching, its benefits, and the conditions it can be used for.

Key Benefits of Esophagus Stretching:

Relief from Swallowing Difficulties: Esophagus stretching is primarily performed to address dysphagia, a condition that causes difficulty in swallowing food or liquids. By widening the esophagus, this procedure helps alleviate swallowing discomfort and enhances the overall eating experience.
Improved Nutritional Intake: For individuals experiencing dysphagia, adequate nutrition can be challenging to achieve. Esophagus stretching allows for a more varied and balanced diet, ensuring proper nourishment and preventing malnutrition.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Difficulty swallowing can significantly impact one's quality of life, leading to frustration, social isolation, and reduced enjoyment of meals. By overcoming this hurdle, esophagus stretching helps individuals regain their confidence, socialize more comfortably, and enjoy a more pleasurable dining experience.

Conditions Where Esophagus Stretching is

You might need to have your esophagus stretched if you have been having trouble swallowing or other problems caused by a narrowed esophagus. When you swallow, you might experience discomfort when your esophagus becomes too narrow. This can affect your ability to eat if pain and discomfort are severe enough.

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What are the side effects of stretching the esophagus?

Bleeding and aspiration can occur with almost any procedure involving the airway or esophagus. Your healthcare provider will watch for these complications throughout the procedure. You should seek medical attention if you notice any of the following after the esophageal dilation: Difficulty breathing.

What is the recovery time for esophageal stretching?

Following your dilation, you'll spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours recovering before you can go home. Avoid all solid foods for at least two to four hours after your procedure—ingesting liquids, only. Slowly introduce soft foods back into your diet only as your doctor advises.

How many times can I have my esophagus stretched?

Overall, one to three dilations are sufficient to relieve dysphagia in simple strictures. Only 25–35 % of patients require additional sessions, with a maximum of five dilations in more than 95 % of patients [4]. Complex strictures are usually longer (>2 cm), angulated, irregular, or have a severely narrowed diameter.

Is it painful to have your esophagus stretched?

You might experience mild pressure in the back of your throat or in your chest during the procedure. Alternatively, your doctor might start by spraying your throat with a local anesthetic.

Is getting your esophagus stretched painful?

Is Esophageal Dilation Painful? While minimally invasive, esophageal dilation can cause bruising and soreness. Some patients may experience discomfort during the procedure, and pain when swallowing in the days afterward.

“Shall we go get my esophagus stretched all together as a group?” -#rhobh
— Danny Pellegrino (@DannyPellegrino) December 14, 2023

Do they put you to sleep for esophageal dilation?

This depends on the type of dilation procedure your doctor uses. Some procedures involve taking a sedative that helps you stay calm. You'll need to remain under your doctor's care until this sedative wears off. You can also expect to have your throat sprayed with a local anesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you don't get your esophagus stretched?

Many patients need more than one dilation over time to keep the esophagus wide enough for food to pass through. In rare cases, severe and untreated esophageal strictures can cause perforations (small rips), which can be life-threatening. Don't delay seeing your provider about any swallowing problems.

Why would someone need their esophagus stretched?

An esophageal dilation is often performed when patients experience difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or liquids, heartburn, or frequent burping or hiccups.

Why do you get esophageal stricture?

Most cases of esophageal stricture are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people with GERD the sphincter that closes to keep stomach contents from passing back up into the esophagus does not close properly. Repeated exposure to stomach acid can cause scarring on the esophageal lining.

What condition requires the esophagus to be stretched?

The following problems also may be treated with esophageal stretching: Schatzki's ring. An abnormal ring of tissue that forms where the esophagus meets the stomach. Achalasia.

How long does throat stretching surgery take?

You also will get medicine to reduce pain and to relax you. Children may have general anesthetic. The procedure will take about 15 to 30 minutes. You will stay at the hospital for a few hours until the medicine you were given wears off.

Why does my throat need to be stretched?

What are the side effects of having your throat stretched?

Early signs of possible complications after an esophageal dilation include chest pain, fever, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, and bleeding or black bowel movements. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after your procedure.

FAQ

Is it common to have your esophagus stretched?: Depending on the degree and cause of narrowing of your esophagus, it is common to require repeat dilations. This allows the dilation to be performed gradually and decreases the risk of complications. Once the stricture, or narrowed esophagus, is completely dilated, repeat dilations may not be required.
How often is esophageal dilation needed?: Overall, one to three dilations are sufficient to relieve dysphagia in simple strictures. Only 25–35 % of patients require additional sessions, with a maximum of five dilations in more than 95 % of patients [4].
Does my throat need to be stretched?: You might need to have your esophagus stretched if you have been having trouble swallowing or other problems caused by a narrowed esophagus. When you swallow, you might experience discomfort when your esophagus becomes too narrow. This can affect your ability to eat if pain and discomfort are severe enough.
How common is esophageal stricture?: Esophageal strictures are not common. They can occur at any age but usually affect people older than 40 years.
What are the risks of having your esophagus stretched?: Risks and possible complications of esophageal dilation include: Infection. A tear or hole in the esophagus lining, causing bleeding and possibly needing surgery to fix. Risks of anesthesia.
Why would you have your esophagus stretched?: You might need to have your esophagus stretched if you have been having trouble swallowing or other problems caused by a narrowed esophagus. When you swallow, you might experience discomfort when your esophagus becomes too narrow. This can affect your ability to eat if pain and discomfort are severe enough.