What is a dilation procedure?
Dilation is a procedure that is used to open narrowed areas or strictures (obstructions) in the digestive tract, which includes the esophagus, small intestine, colon and rectum. Typically your doctor will use a balloon to dilate your stricture. Depending on the cause of your stricture, you may need multiple dilations.
Reasons for undergoing the procedure
A narrowing or stricture can be caused by a number of things including cancer (such as colon, esophageal, or pancreatic) or a benign disease (such as scar tissue, acid reflux, peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, Schatzki's ring).
2 Strictures may not always be serious, but in some cases, the opening in your digestive tract may become so small that it is impossible for matter such as food or bile to pass through it. You may also have difficulty swallowing.
What takes place during the procedure?
A balloon dilation procedure typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the cause and extent of your obstruction. You may receive a topical anesthetic in the back of your throat if the procedure is performed in the upper digestive tract.
Depending on where your stricture is, a scope will be placed either through your mouth or anus. A scope is a long, thin tube that has a video camera on the tip which is designed so the doctor can view the stricture. Although these points of entry may sound unpleasant, they actually allow the physician to perform this procedure without making any incisions at all.
Depending on the nature of the stricture, a guidewire (a thin wire) may be inserted into the scope to the stricture area prior to balloon insertion. Next, an un-inflated balloon is introduced through the scope and passed through the stricture. The balloon is slowly inflated with liquid to widen the stricture. The balloon is then deflated and removed. Multiple dilations may be performed if the stricture has not been successfully opened.1, 2
Are there any risks to the procedure?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks and you should talk to your doctor about what they are. Your doctor will be able to explain the risks and answer any questions that you may have.
Potential complications that may be experienced with balloon dilation may include tissue perforation (tearing), hematomas (blood clots), bleeding or infection.
Recovery Time
Recovery times may vary, depending on the type of disease that is being treated. Balloon dilation is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you may be able to leave the hospital the same day as the procedure.
This reference text contains information about a specific procedure and is provided by Boston Scientific Corporation for reference only. Please talk to your doctor about complete procedural information, potential risks, and questions that you may have.
References
- Goldstein J, Barkin J. Comparison of the Diameter Consistency and Dilating Force of the Controlled Radial Expansion Balloon Catheter to the Conventional Balloon Dilators. The American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2000; 95:3423-3427.
- Scolapio J, Pasha T, Gostout C, et al. A randomized prospective study comparing rigid to balloon dilators for benign esophageal strictures and rings. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 1999; 50:13-17.
