Endoscopic dilation

Endoscopic dilation is an interventional technique that involves widening a narrowing (stricture) of the digestive tract using dedicated devices introduced endoscopically. This procedure restores a sufficient caliber for the normal passage of food and liquids, considerably improving the quality of life of patients suffering from digestive strictures. Two main types of devices are used: pneumatic dilation balloons (TTS - through the scope), which are gradually inflated at the level of the stricture, and dilation bougies (Savary-Gilliard type), which are passed over a guidewire through the stricture in increasing diameters. The choice of technique depends on the location, nature and severity of the stricture. Digestive strictures can have various origins: caustic scarring, peptic (severe esophagitis), post-surgical (anastomotic), inflammatory (Crohn's disease) or tumor-related. Dilation alone may be sufficient for short benign strictures, or may serve as a preliminary step before stent placement for more complex strictures. Several sessions may be necessary to achieve a lasting result. At Clinique Pasteur in Tunis, endoscopic dilations are performed by experienced gastroenterologists, under general anesthesia and with fluoroscopic guidance if necessary. Post-procedure follow-up is tailored to each patient to optimize results and prevent recurrence.