What is oesophageal dilatation?
The oesophagus (food pipe) can sometimes become narrowed — a condition known as a stricture — which makes it harder for food and drink to pass down into the stomach. Oesophageal dilatation is a procedure that gently stretches this narrowed area to restore a more normal width.
The stretching is carried out using a small balloon or a tapered dilator, which your specialist passes through the oesophagus during a gastroscopy. It is a safe, common day procedure that can bring lasting relief from difficulty swallowing.
Why it might be recommended
Your GP or specialist may recommend oesophageal dilatation to relieve:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)
- A sensation of food sticking as it goes down
- Narrowing caused by long-standing reflux
- Schatzki rings (a ring of tissue that narrows the lower oesophagus)
- Strictures that have formed after inflammation
- Achalasia-related narrowing of the oesophagus
A referral is required
You'll need a current referral from your GP before booking. This lets us tailor your care and ensures you can claim your Medicare rebate.
How it's done
Oesophageal dilatation is performed during a gastroscopy, so both the examination and the stretching happen in the one procedure. You'll be cared for by a specialist anaesthetist who provides sedation, so you'll sleep comfortably throughout.
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Gastroscopy first
Your specialist passes a thin, flexible gastroscope through the mouth to examine the oesophagus and locate the narrowed area.
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Gentle stretching
A small balloon or a tapered bougie dilator is passed to the narrowed area and used to gently widen it to a more normal width.
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A little longer
Because of the extra step, the procedure usually takes a little longer than a standard gastroscopy — though it is still a day procedure.
Preparation
Preparation is the same as for a gastroscopy — your stomach simply needs to be empty so your specialist can see the lining clearly and work safely. You'll be given detailed instructions when you book, but in general:
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The day before
Eat and drink as normal, and note the fasting time you've been given for the morning of your procedure.
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Fasting
Do not eat for about 6 hours before your appointment. You may usually have small sips of water up to a couple of hours before — follow the exact times we give you.
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Medications
Tell us if you take blood thinners, diabetes medication or acid-reducing tablets, as some may need to be adjusted or paused. Arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.
Fasting is essential
Your stomach must be empty — do not eat for about 6 hours beforehand, the same as for a gastroscopy. If you're unsure about any food, drink or medication, download the fasting guide below and call us before your appointment.
On the day
Oesophageal dilatation is a day procedure performed at one of our partner hospitals. You'll be cared for by a specialist anaesthetist who provides sedation, so you'll sleep comfortably and remember nothing of the procedure itself.
Afterwards you'll rest in recovery until the sedation wears off. Because you've been sedated, you'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Afterwards
- A mildly sore throat or some chest discomfort can occur and usually settles quickly
- More than one session is sometimes needed to gradually reach the right width
- You must not drive, sign legal documents or drink alcohol for the rest of the day
- Your specialist discusses what they found before you leave, and reports back to your GP