Oesophageal dilation is a medical procedure performed by a doctor to dilate or stretch a narrowed area of the oesophagus, also known as a swallowing tube. A doctor can use several techniques to perform this procedure.
The doctor may also perform oesophagal dilation as part of a sedated endoscopy. Alternatively, the doctor may also use a local anaesthesia spray to the back of the throat to pass a weighted dilator through the mouth and into the oesophagus.
An oesophagal stricture is an abnormal narrowing or tightening of the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach and carries food and liquid.
A stricture narrows the oesophagus, making it difficult for food to travel down the tube. In severe cases, drinking water can also be challenging. Oesophagal stricture can be cancerous or benign (noncancerous).
The cancerous oesophagal stricture gets worse quickly. However, benign oesophagal stricture tends to progress slowly.
Oesophagal stricture can either be simple or complex.
- Simple oesophagal stricture:- This is smaller which leaves a wide opening in the oesophagus. It is usually straight and symmetrical and its surface and margin are smooth.
- Complex oesophagal stricture:- This is longer which leaves a narrow opening. It is not straight or symmetrical. Its surface and margin are uneven.
