Stricture dilation is a medical procedure that is used to widen a narrowed area of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. This narrowing, known as a stricture, can be caused by a variety of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, scar tissue from injury or surgery, or certain types of cancer. The procedure typically involves the use of a specialized instrument called a dilator that is inserted through the mouth or rectum and advanced to the location of the stricture. The dilator is then slowly expanded to widen the area and alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or pain during eating. This procedure is usually performed by a gastroenterologist and may be done under sedation or general anesthesia.

Esophageal strictures are caused by a variety of conditions, such as:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – Stomach acid can damage the lining of the esophagus, leading to inflammation and scarring that can cause a stricture.

Eosinophilic esophagitis – This is a condition in which a type of white blood cell called eosinophils accumulates in the esophagus and causes inflammation, which can lead to strictures.

Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy for cancer can cause scarring of the esophagus that can lead to strictures.

Traum – An injury to the esophagus from a foreign object or surgery can cause scarring and lead to strictures.

Infections – Certain infections, such as candida esophagitis, can cause inflammation of the esophagus and lead to strictures.

Scleroderma – Scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissue of the body. This condition can cause fibrosis and stricture formation in the esophagus.

Medications – Some medications, such as certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can cause strictures by irritating the esophagus.

Stricture dilation is a procedure in which a dilator, a device that gradually widens a narrowed area, is passed through the esophagus to stretch and widen a stricture or narrowed area. The duration of the procedure typically lasts between 15 to 20 minutes.

The recovery period post-procedure can vary from person to person. The results of the dilation usually last for several weeks or months, but the stricture may recur and require additional dilations in the future. In some cases, stricture dilation resolves the issue for a lifetime. The frequency and number of dilations required is variable and will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the stricture.

The frequency of esophageal dilation procedures can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the stricture. In some cases, a single dilation may be sufficient to relieve the symptoms and resolve the stricture, while in other cases multiple dilations may be required.

For benign strictures, such as those caused by eosinophilic esophagitis or radiation therapy, dilations may be needed every few months or as needed to maintain the patency of the esophagus. For malignant strictures, the dilation may be repeated every few weeks or more frequently to maintain the patency of the esophagus and to allow for adequate nutrition and hydration. It is important to follow up with your GI doctor to determine the appropriate frequency of dilation and to monitor the response to the treatment.

The timing of when you can eat after an esophageal dilation procedure will depend on the severity of your condition and how well you respond to the procedure. It is important to follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the gastroenterologist and medical team performing the procedure. In general, it is recommended to wait for a period of 3 to 6 hours after the procedure before eating. This waiting period will allow for proper healing and help to avoid discomfort or complications. The doctor may recommend a specific diet or eating plan to follow after the procedure. It is very important to closely follow the doctor’s instructions and to contact the medical team with any concerns or questions.

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