Oesophageal Dilatation is performed during Panendoscopy, to open up a stricture (narrowing) of the oesophagus. This procedure is useful for treating numerous Upper stricture-producing GI conditions such as:
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Dysphagia due to narrowing
- Eosinophilic Oesophagitis
- Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
- Achalasia
- Oesophageal Cancer
- Hiatus Hernia with narrowing
During Panendoscopy, a fine guiding wire is passed through the endoscope down the oesophagus and through the blockage. The endoscope is slightly pulled back to allow the dilating tube to be inserted next to the blockage. The dilator then slides along the guiding wire allowing the Gastroenterologist to expand the blocked oesophagus. This procedure is performed while the patient is sedated, resulting in little if any discomfort for the patient.