Oesophageal dilatation is a medical procedure used to gently stretch a narrowed section of the oesophagus (also known as the gullet). If you’ve been having trouble swallowing, this treatment may help food and drinks pass more easily down your throat.
This procedure is typically done during a gastroscopy, using special tools such as a soft, tapered instrument (called a bougie) or a small high-pressure balloon.
When the oesophagus becomes too narrow, it can make eating and drinking uncomfortable or even painful. This narrowing can happen for several reasons:
Long-term acid reflux (GERD)
Inflammation from conditions like eosinophilic oesophagitis
Congenital or developmental changes
In rare cases, from a tumor or cancerous growth
By stretching the narrowed area, oesophageal dilatation helps restore easier swallowing and improves quality of life.
Oesophageal dilatation is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure, but like any medical treatment, it does carry some small risks:
Bleeding, which is usually mild and settles on its own
Aspiration, where fluid may enter the lungs during the procedure
Perforation, a rare but serious tear in the wall of the oesophagus, which may require hospital care, antibiotics, or in rare cases, surgery
Your gastroenterologist will carefully weigh the benefits and risks before recommending this treatment.
Afterwards, your recovery will be similar to that of a gastroscopy:
You may have a mild sore throat or bloating for a short time
You'll be monitored for a few hours in recovery
You can usually start drinking fluids 2–4 hours after the procedure
Your doctor will advise you when it's safe to return to eating normally. In some cases, you may need medication for reflux to help the oesophagus heal. If the narrowing returns, you might need repeat dilatation sessions for long-term relief.
Your gastroenterologist is the best person to speak with if you have concerns or want to learn more about oesophageal dilatation. You can also visit the Gastroenterological Society of Australia for more resources: www.gesa.org.au