This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Oesophageal dilatation

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Endoscopic dilatation has surpassed the previous 'blind' technique of passing a mercury-filled bougie through the oesophageal stricture. The stricture is still mechanically widened, but an endoscope is used to pass a flexible guidewire through the stricture. Over the guidewire is passed either bougies - hollow-core dilators - or a dilating balloon.

Two or three dilatations are performed at each visit - the 'Rule of threes' is followed. Most patients require only one such visit; men are more likely to require extra dilatations.

Perforation is a rare complication of passing the guidewire or the bougie. Very rarely, a 'false passage' may be produced.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.