What is endoscopic dilation?
Endoscopic dilation is a medical procedure that widens a narrowed tube in the body using a thin, flexible camera called an endoscope and a special balloon or catheter. It’s most often used in the esophagus—the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This procedure helps people who have trouble swallowing or feel as though food is stuck in their throat. It’s also used in other parts of the digestive system, when needed.
At MedStar Health, your care is guided by the most experienced teams in the region. Our gastroenterologists are specially trained in advanced endoscopic techniques and perform a high volume of dilation procedures every year. We’re a regional referral center, trusted by doctors and hospitals across the area to treat both routine and complex digestive conditions.
Your care is always personalized and guided by a multidisciplinary team, including specialists in surgery, oncology, radiology, and nutrition all working together to improve your comfort, safety, and long-term health.
When is endoscopic dilation used?
If you’ve been struggling to swallow or have been told you have a narrowing in your esophagus, your doctor may recommend endoscopic dilation. Endoscopic dilation may be beneficial for the following health issues:
- Esophageal stricture, which is scar tissue that narrows the esophagus, often from chronic acid reflux and heartburn
- Eosinophilic esophagitis, an allergic inflammation that narrows the esophagus
- Achalasia, when the lower muscle of the esophagus doesn’t let food pass easily
- Esophageal cancer, when scarring develops from radiation or other cancer treatments
Patients with these conditions often experience food getting stuck, have painful swallowing, or regurgitate. Dilation opens the narrowed area so food can pass more easily.
Benefits and risks
Esophageal dilation is a non-invasive, same-day procedure that effectively provides relief for most patients. Other benefits include the following:
- Quick recovery: Most patients report improved comfort when swallowing within a day or two.
- Outpatient: It’s safe and non-surgical, under mild sedation.
- Effective: Especially for acid reflux-related strictures.
- Long-lasting: Results can last months or even years, though repeat procedures might be necessary.
Because the esophagus is a thin, delicate organ, choosing an experienced team is critical to minimizing potential endoscopic dilation risks, such as perforations (holes or tears in the esophageal lining).
What to expect
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Before the procedure
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Fasting: Your doctors may advise you to avoid food or drink for 6 to 12 hours before.
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Medicines: Tell your doctor about all medications. You may need to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners.
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Preparation: You’ll need to arrange a ride home, since you can’t drive yourself after receiving sedation.
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During the procedure
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Anesthesia: You'll receive sedation through an IV to help you relax. Most patients are lightly asleep and feel no pain. In some cases, deeper anesthesia may be used for comfort and safety.
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Upper Endoscopy (EGD): The doctor will perform an upper endoscopy using a thin, flexible tube with a camera (called an endoscope). This is gently passed through your mouth into your esophagus or stomach to find the area that needs to be stretched.
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Dilation methods: There are a few different methods that may be used, such as:
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Balloon dilation: A small balloon is guided to the narrowed area and gently inflated to stretch it open. Your doctor will choose the safest and most effective method based on your condition and anatomy.
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Bougie dilation: A series of soft, flexible tubes of increasing size are passed through the narrowing to gradually widen it.
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Duration: The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.
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After the procedure
- Recovery: Rest until sedation wears off—usually a couple of hours.
- Eating: Start with soft foods and liquids like yogurt or soup.
- Pain: You may have a mild sore throat for a day or two.
- Driving: You’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Our providers
Expert gastroenterology care
Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our gastroenterologists.
Frequently asked questions
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Will I need more than one dilation?
Sometimes. For complex or resistant esophageal strictures, repeated dilations over months can help stretch the esophagus to its proper size.
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Can dilation cure the cause of my difficulty swallowing?
Dilation treats the symptom—swallowing difficulty—but additional treatment (like reflux medicine or allergy control) may be needed to prevent recurrence.
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Is endoscopic esophageal dilation painful?
The procedure is typically done under sedation, so you won’t feel pain during the dilation. Afterward, some patients feel mild throat soreness or chest pressure for a day or two. Most people return to normal activities within 24 hours.