Oesophageal dilation is a medical procedure used to widen a narrowed section of the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. A doctor can perform this procedure using various techniques.
Often, oesophageal dilation is done during a sedated endoscopy. In some cases, the doctor may instead apply a local anesthetic spray to the back of the throat and insert a weighted dilator through the mouth into the oesophagus to gently stretch the constricted area.
Oesophageal Stricture
An oesophageal stricture refers to an abnormal narrowing of the oesophagus, which can make swallowing difficult. The esophagus is the muscular tube responsible for moving food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
When a stricture occurs, the passage becomes tight, causing difficulty in swallowing food, and in severe cases, even water. Oesophageal strictures can be either cancerous or benign (non-cancerous). Cancerous strictures tend to worsen quickly, while benign strictures usually progress more slowly.
Types of Esophageal Strictures
Esophageal strictures are categorized into two types:
- Simple Oesophageal Stricture: This type is smaller and leaves a relatively wide opening in the esophagus. It tends to be straight and symmetrical, with smooth surfaces and margins.
Complex Oesophageal Stricture: This type is longer and results in a narrower opening. It is often irregular, asymmetrical, and has uneven surfaces and margins.
