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An esophageal dilation is often performed when patients experience difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food or liquids, heartburn, or frequent burping or hiccups.

What Is an Esophageal Dilation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that enlarges a narrowed, or strictured, part of the esophagus. In some cases, it is used to dilate the narrowed exit from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine. After gastric bariatric surgery, for example, sometimes this area has scars and food becomes trapped, so dilation is necessary. Dilation is performed using special catheters with expandable balloons, or by passing a specially designed tapered plastic tube over a guidewire.