Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a therapeutic endoscopic procedure performed by our gastroenterologists to widen areas of narrowing in the esophagus that can cause difficulty swallowing or a sensation of food getting stuck.

This procedure is commonly performed during an upper endoscopy (EGD) and is designed to improve swallowing and relieve symptoms safely and effectively.

Why Is Esophageal Dilation Performed?

Esophageal dilation may be recommended for patients experiencing symptoms related to narrowing of the esophagus, including:

Difficulty swallowing solid foods or liquids
Sensation of food sticking in the chest or throat
Recurrent choking episodes
Chest discomfort related to swallowing
Unexplained weight loss due to poor intake

Narrowing of the esophagus can occur for a variety of reasons, most commonly related to chronic acid reflux, inflammation, scarring, or structural abnormalities.

What Causes Esophageal Narrowing?

Common causes of esophageal narrowing include:

Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Inflammation or scarring from prior injury
Esophageal rings or webs
Benign strictures
Prior surgery or radiation therapy

Your gastroenterologist will determine the cause of narrowing based on your symptoms, endoscopic findings, and biopsy results when appropriate.

What Happens During Esophageal Dilation?

Esophageal dilation is performed during an upper endoscopy while you are comfortably sedated.

After the narrowed area is identified, your gastroenterologist will use specialized dilation instruments to gently and carefully widen the esophagus. The dilation is performed in a controlled and gradual manner to improve swallowing while minimizing risk.

The procedure typically takes only a few additional minutes beyond the endoscopy itself.

Will I Feel Pain?

Because sedation is used, patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild throat soreness or chest discomfort afterward, which usually resolves within 24–48 hours. Severe pain is uncommon and should be reported to your provider.

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?

After esophageal dilation, patients may experience:

Temporary throat or chest soreness
Mild discomfort when swallowing
Gradual improvement in swallowing symptoms

Your provider may recommend dietary modifications for a short period following the procedure. In some cases, more than one dilation session may be required to achieve lasting symptom relief.