Oesophageal Stretch

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Hi everyone 

I've recently developed a problem with food getting stuck towards the bottom of my oesophagus (presumably where the new conduit is). My MDT would like me to have another endoscopy and probably a balloon stretch to widen the oesophagus.

My question is how many of you guys have had to have this procedure? I'm six months post op so I'd hoped I had recovered without the need for this procedure but apparently it can happen at any time.

Thanks in advance 

Anthony (Bob)

  • Hi Bob, I'm 7 months post op and had the same problem . A few days ago I had an endoscopy with the balloon stretch and so far all is well and no problem with swallowing or food getting stuck. I was sedated and it was all over so quickly. Woke up to a coffee and 3 Jammie dodgers! Apparently it's quite a common procedure, Good luck.

  • Yes Bob. I had it done a few weeks back. I was coughing a lot . Much better afterwards. They use botox to keep it fixed after stretching.  Also you get the side benefit of the endoscopy check. I am 21 months post.op. 

  • Hello Bob

    My husband had his surgery in 2009 but years later he developed a stricture near the scarring in his throat and he had to have several dilations.  The problem was eventually solved when his original consultant took more biopsies (he’s also an endoscopic consultant) and the tests that were done showed it was the prescribed iron tablets he was taking that were causing the problem.  No more iron tablets & no more dilations, he’s been fine ever since.  He now has an annual gastroscopy so that he can stay with the same consultant, he had his latest one this week and he was in and out in 25 minutes (no sedation just throat spray). Everything was normal, back in a years time.

    I hope your team get you sorted and you don’t have to wait too long.

  • Hi Bib as you may know I’m 7 years and had 3 dilatations the latter being the 1st of April this year. 

    ask about Botox injections, not sure they do this as a standard procedure.

    When I asked if I would need another one after my first, I was told people are different some people have one some people have to have them regularly. 

    Have you had a barium swallow test? This can identify how slow your digestive system is working. 

  • No I haven't had the swallow test they've just booked me straight for another endoscopy and stretch 

  • How many stretches have you had?

    I had 2.

    What a relief to be able to swallow without choking