Structure Dilatation

An esophageal stricture is a gradual narrowing of the esophagus, which can lead to swallowing difficulties. The strictures are caused by scar tissue that builds up in the esophagus. When scarring occurs, the lining of the esophagus becomes stiff. In time, as this scar tissue continues to build up, the esophagus begins to narrow in that area. The result then is swallowing difficulties.Scarring will result after repeated inflammatory injury and healing, re-injury and rehealing. This scarring will produce damaged tissue in the form of a ring that narrows the opening of the esophagus.The causes of stricture dilatation are corrossive ingestion, Gastroesophagesl reflux disease,viral or bacterial infestion, prolong use of nasogastric tube etc.The dilation are performed by passing a dilator or air-filled balloon of different size through a endoscope under fluoroscopic guidance. Repeated dilation may be necessary to prevent the stricture from returning.The child is kept nil orally and a post-procedure chest X-ray is performed.Feeding is usually started on instruction of doctors some time after the procedure.