What happens during esophageal dilation?

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What happens during esophageal dilation?

Before the procedure, your healthcare provider gives you sedatives to help you relax and reduce pain. Your provider will also numb your throat. If you have GERD, you may receive medication that makes your body produce less acid.

Then your provider inserts an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. The goal of the procedure is to insert either:

  • A balloon to stretch the area.
  • Plastic or rubber dilators of bigger and bigger sizes to stretch the area.

Some patients with complex strictures may also receive metal esophageal stents to prop open strictures.

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