Upper Endoscopy With Dilation
This is a procedure in which a small tube and dilator are placed through the mouth into the esophagus (food pipe) to stretch a narrowed area.
An upper endoscopy is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. It is done using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (endoscope). If a narrow area is found, a dilator is placed through the endoscope to stretch the area and make the esophagus wider.
An esophageal dilation (stretching) may be recommended if you have symptoms consistent with a narrowing in your esophagus. This includes difficulty swallowing, feeling like food is stuck in your chest area and upper chest pain or discomfort. An esophageal dilation may be done at a facility that specializes in gastrointestinal procedures or at a hospital. The narrowing is usually located in the lower part of the esophagus.
- The most common reason for narrowing of the esophagus is scarring from acid that goes up into the esophagus from the stomach (acid reflux). Medication may be prescribed if your narrowing is due to acid reflux.
- Other less common reasons are excess esophageal tissue, cancer, the way the esophagus moves and scarring from a chemical injury to the esophageal tissue.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
Your throat will be numbed before the procedure and you will be given a medicine to make you sleepy and relaxed (sedative).
- You will have little to no discomfort during the procedure, but you may have a slight sore throat afterward.
- You will need to stay for a short period of time after the procedure to be sure you are able to drink fluids.
- You must have someone drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive for 12 to 24 hours after the procedure. You will probably be able to return to regular activities the next day.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a dilation of my esophagus?
- What is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure?
- What are the possible complications for this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure? What are the benefits and risks of each?
- Do I need to fast before the procedure and, if so, for how long? Is there any other special preparation for the procedure? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- Will I have any type of sedation? What are the possible side effects?
- How will I feel after the procedure and will I have to modify my activity or what I eat?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent future problems with my esophagus?
- Will I need dilatations in the future?
After your dilation, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure and what symptoms you should report before your next appointment. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans. Do not forget to arrange for transportation to and from the facility and help at home.
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Upset StomachUpper Endoscopy With DilationUpper EndoscopyStomach UpsetStomach PainStomach DisorderStomach AcheSour StomachScopeRegurgitationRefluxNauseaGERDGastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseEsophagitisEating DifficultyDigestive ProblemsDifficulty SwallowingChest PainBurpingBurning in ThroatBurning in ChestAcid Reflux
An upper endoscopy is an examination of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. It is done using a thin, lighted tube with a camera on the end (endoscope). If a narrow area is found, a dilator is placed through the endoscope to stretch the area and make the esophagus wider.
An esophageal dilation (stretching) may be recommended if you have symptoms consistent with a narrowing in your esophagus. This includes difficulty swallowing, feeling like food is stuck in your chest area and upper chest pain or discomfort. An esophageal dilation may be done at a facility that specializes in gastrointestinal procedures or at a hospital. The narrowing is usually located in the lower part of the esophagus.
- The most common reason for narrowing of the esophagus is scarring from acid that goes up into the esophagus from the stomach (acid reflux). Medication may be prescribed if your narrowing is due to acid reflux.
- Other less common reasons are excess esophageal tissue, cancer, the way the esophagus moves and scarring from a chemical injury to the esophageal tissue.
Prior to the procedure, tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and supplements). Ask about specific instructions you should follow before the procedure. These may include:
- Medications you should not take before the surgery, such as blood thinners
- Regular medications you should take on the day of your procedure
- How many hours you should stop eating and drinking before the procedure
Your throat will be numbed before the procedure and you will be given a medicine to make you sleepy and relaxed (sedative).
- You will have little to no discomfort during the procedure, but you may have a slight sore throat afterward.
- You will need to stay for a short period of time after the procedure to be sure you are able to drink fluids.
- You must have someone drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive for 12 to 24 hours after the procedure. You will probably be able to return to regular activities the next day.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having a dilation of my esophagus?
- What is my diagnosis and reason for the procedure?
- What are the possible complications for this procedure?
- Are there any alternatives to this procedure? What are the benefits and risks of each?
- Do I need to fast before the procedure and, if so, for how long? Is there any other special preparation for the procedure? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- Will I have any type of sedation? What are the possible side effects?
- How will I feel after the procedure and will I have to modify my activity or what I eat?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent future problems with my esophagus?
- Will I need dilatations in the future?
After your dilation, your healthcare provider should provide a description of any problems found during the procedure and what symptoms you should report before your next appointment. You should also understand all home care instructions (including medications and side effects) and follow-up plans. Do not forget to arrange for transportation to and from the facility and help at home.
Source UHC.com
ProcedureRates.com helps consumers determine the average cost of common medical procedures in their location. By gathering and analyzing data from leading insurance providers across the US, patients can compare the estimated price of common medical procedures to determine their approximate out-of-pocket expenses. All rates are approximations and not guarantees based on data that is available to the consumer. There are currently 638 procedures available in our database. These results and the information contained within should in no way take the place of actual medical advice.
Do not avoid getting health care based on the information on this site. Not affiliated with any insurance provider, hospital, or medical professional. Prices are just estimates based on available data, and may vary based on plan, state, and provider. For informational purposes only.