Dilation/stretch

Hi, I’m not sure that there is a definitive number of dilations, it really depends on the patient.  When did your partner have his operation?  They have to be very careful with the scar tissue and dilations are gradual.

My husband had his surgery 14 years ago and he had a couple of dilations within a few months of it and then no more until the beginning of last year when, after tests and scans because of problems swallowing, he had a series of dilations (about every 6 weeks).  The first few made little difference but, after a second set of biopsies, the consultant said he should stop taking iron tablets (prescribed not voluntary) and everything improved from then on.  He had his last one in December and he doesn’t have to have any more for the foreseeable future.

It’s worth checking your partner’s medication with his team to see if anything could be preventing the dilation from working properly - we were unaware that this could happen. x

Hi my husband had his operation in may last year.  He is still having problems swallowing.   He has had 10 stretches and a stent fitted which was taken out after 5 weeks.   He is waiting for another appointment for a stretch.  Hopefully this week.   After his last stretch 2 weeks ago he was dilated to 12mm.  After each stretch his stricture closes again after about a week.   At some point before Christmas his dialation was up to 20mm.  But reduced again very quickly.   The consultant has just said that they hope at some point his stricture will stop trying to heal up again.   So fingers crossed 

HI thanks for your reply, 14 years ago wow thats amazing... he had his op in May last year, they said yesterday there is a blockage and there was food stuck so they couldnt see properly he has to go back in 4 weeks or another one and fast for 24 hours, now my nerves are wreacked...what is a blockage...

Hes not on any medication onlu Creon which is t help hold onto some weight and they told him to keep taking it .

Everyones different I guess jut hope it works in 4 weeks time x

HI, his op was also in May time and he finished chemo in September so its kind of been 1 a month from then.. as I said above they said there was a blockage they done what they could but he has to go back in 4 weeks to try again as there was food stuck and they couldnt see enough.

The report he brought back has a photo on it and there are white spots showing, now im worried sick again ahhh ..

It dosnt say how many mm it is and he didnt ask...

10 from May is a lot isnt it the most ive read people have is 13 so far then the stent, he hasnt got offered a stent as yet.

Hi because he has had a stent already they don't want to put another one in due to the risk of having a tear in the oesophagus.  At the minute they seem to only want to stretch it in the hope eventually it works. I know from the specialist nurse that people often get food stuck and they have to have it removed.   But that's not something that has happened to him.  Its a very stressful time for you both.   Good luck.

Ah maybe my partner will get that down the road, I hope things get better for you also