Esophageal Dilation

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows the physician to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of the esophagus (swallowing tube). The most common cause of narrowing of the esophagus is scarring of the esophagus from reflux of stomach acid occurring in patients with heartburn. Patients with a narrowed portion of the esophagus often have trouble swallowing; food feels like it is “stuck” in the chest region, causing discomfort or pain. Less common causes of esophageal narrowing include cancer of the esophagus, scarring after radiation treatment, or a disorder of the way the esophagus moves.
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