Esophageal Dilation with Bougies

What is esophageal dilation with bougies?

Esophageal dilation with bougies is a procedure that may be done to widen a part of your esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Cone-shaped tubes called bougies are used to widen the esophagus.

When is it used?

This procedure may be done when you have a medical problem that has caused a blockage or narrowing of the esophagus and is making it hard for you to swallow.

An alternative way to widen the esophagus is to use balloon dilators instead of the cone-shaped tubes. Another alternative is to choose not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition. You should ask your healthcare provider about this choice.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

Plan for your care and recovery after the procedure. Find someone to drive you home afterwards. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.

Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers heal more slowly after surgery. They are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery. For these reasons, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It is best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before surgery.

Your provider may tell you to not eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider may give you.

What happens during the procedure?

A local anesthetic is given to you to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. A sedative is also usually given to help you relax.

Your healthcare provider places increasingly larger cone-shaped tubes into the narrow part of your esophagus. The tubes remain in place for about 15 seconds. You may have a feeling of pressure while the tubes are lodged in your esophagus. The tubes can stretch the surrounding tissue and create a wider passageway.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be observed for about a half hour. You should not drive or do anything that requires coordination or quick response for 4 hours after the procedure.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

You may be able to swallow more easily.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• A local anesthetic may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia.
• Acid from your stomach could back up into your esophagus and cause an irritation.
• Your esophagus may tear and need surgical repair.
• Your esophagus may get narrow again and this procedure may need to be repeated.
• You may have infection or bleeding.

You should ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider right away if:

• You have trouble breathing.
• You have chest or abdominal pain.

Call during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.