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      COVID-2019 Alert

      The latest information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, including vaccine clinics for children ages 6 months and older.

      La información más reciente sobre el nuevo Coronavirus de 2019, incluidas las clínicas de vacunación para niños de 6 meses en adelante.

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      Esophageal dilatation

      The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. If it becomes too narrow, swallowing food or liquid may be difficult. Esophageal dilatation (also called dilation) is a technique used to stretch or open portions of the esophagus that are too narrow.

      There are different causes of esophageal strictures (narrowing), including allergies and injury. Your primary physician is responsible for finding out what is causing the problem. He or she will refer you to the interventional radiologist, who will perform the dilatation.

      Procedure

      Using live X-ray (fluoroscopy) for guidance, a doctor places a flexible wire into the mouth and down the esophagus, past the narrowed area. Then a deflated balloon is threaded over the wire and inflated into a sausage shape to stretch and enlarge the narrowed area. Sometimes more than one balloon will be used. Your child will be protected by an X-ray shield during this procedure.

      Anesthesia

      All children are given general anesthesia and are asleep for this procedure.

      Risks

      The procedure is considered low-risk. However, potential complications include:

      • esophageal tear
      • bleeding at the treatment site (coughing or throwing up blood)
      • mediastinitis (severe inflammation of tissue in the chest area)

      Pain

      Some children experience chest pain or pain with swallowing in the first 24 hours after the procedure. You may give over-the-counter pain medication.

      Diet Restrictions

      No food or drink for four hours after the procedure.

      After four hours, try clear liquids such as water, broth or ginger ale. If your child can drink the liquids without pain, you may offer him or her soft foods such as mashed potatoes and pudding, as tolerated.

      Stay on a soft diet for at least 24 hours.

      No hot food for at least 24 hours; food may be lukewarm.

      No “sharp” foods such as cookies, chips or crackers for at least 24 hours.

      Transition to a regular diet after 24 hours, as long as swallowing the foods isn’t painful.

      Related Links

      • Interventional Radiology
      • Preparing for your Interventional Radiology Visit

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