Dilations after esophagectomy

[ronyank]

Had Esophagectomy done in April. Had achalasia and had trouble with food going down my esophagus for many years. Had dilations and surgery to no avail. I can eat now soft foods , but chewable foods get stuck no mater how much I chew it. Went for a dilation 3 weeks ago and I was able to eat better for a couple of days. Surgeon informed my wife I had a lot of scar tissue already and after the esophagectomy surgery I did have a little leak. He told her it was a small opening but after the dilation he was able to open it more. I have trouble again eating solid foods and am going for another dilation. I was told they have to alleviate the cycle of the scar tissues coming back and would have to do this till the scar tissues stop coming back. I am where I was before the surgery as far as swallowing issues and just want to be able to eat normal even if it's in small portions. Anyone else have to have dilations shortly after the surgery and what was your outcomes.

[ccfc]

Hi, I am coming up seven years post op. Over about the first eighteen months I had to have several dilutions due to the scar tissue tightening. I think it’s quite common in the early days of recovery but since then I’ve been fine. I hope this helps and good luck, James.

[ronyank in reply to ccfc]

Thank you ccfc. That's what I was told by my surgeon but it's just frustrating for the reason I had this extensive surgery is for swallowing issues. Hopefully it will get better.

[ccfc in reply to ronyank]

It’s still early days, I’m sure it will get better. Best Wishes, James.

[Buzzboy]

Hi there. I had several dilations in the first year after the op - around seven or so. The time between dilations steadily increased until no more were needed. I was a regular in the pre and post op rooms so got to know the staff there quite well! I'm now eight years post op and enjoying life. Little and often still applies and keeping slim is not a problem. I wish you well... hang on in there, it does get better!

[ronyank in reply to Buzzboy]

Thank you. Going for my second one in a month this week. Seven dilations in a year seems like a lot but it seems to be working for you and that’s great. Hoping not to need that many but whatever it takes. Also 3 hours from my hospital that does this and the surgeon so it just makes it worst for have to spend the night before at hotel. Hopefully it’s worth it all. Thank you for your reply.

[Deete15 in reply to Buzzboy]

very encouraging my brother has had 11 violations in about 15 months and the doctors don’t want to do it anymore but I don’t want him to get a tube after reading your report I’m very encouraged thank you very much

[Deete15 in reply to Deete15]

Dilations not violations

[ronyank in reply to Deete15]

Just had a dilation 2 days ago. Actually had 10 in a row monthly then had a Triple bypass so stopped for 6 months. I had complications after surgery from a leak and still have some scar tissue which is causing some of my swallowing issues. Hopefully they will get rid of the scar tissue for not getting any more surgeries.

[Deete15 in reply to ronyank]

As I pray that all goes well with you thanks for answering Maybach. I don't know what these are in Dr want to do any more dilations my brother never has a problem with them if he usually leave another one for the six weeks

[yourhoneyb]

I had my esophagectomy Oct 31, 2013 and have had to have 15 dilations since. In the beginning it was quite frequent but now it's about every year or so. It does get better and food is easier for me now

[ronyank in reply to yourhoneyb]

Thank you yourhoneyb. I had my 2nd dilation and it is definitely better than the 1st as far as swallowing. I have to chew real good and take small portions. I know there is more dilations to come but hopefully only a few more. Just have to learn when full so I don’t get stomach pain. With the achalasia I had I didn’t know what it was to get full for all the food got stuck and didn’t go down in my esophagus for over 30 years so it’s a learning experience. Thanks for the reply.

[farful]

My hope is that I will have the surgery and it will all be ok. Probably not realistic. I cannot eat much of anything. I had surgery for hiatal hernia (Nissen fundoplication) and thought my problems were from that. Surprised to find that achalasia is not even much associated with acid. Good luck to you, Ronyank

[Deete15]

My brother had and still have the exact same problem after a dilation the last 3 to 4 weeks he had a Gastrojejunostomy for bad ulcers surgery 18 months ago and still having the same problems. I rested his esophagus a couple days with very light snacks Jell-O and protein drink in the cream of wheat. But I see he needs another dilation. His last was Jan 10 2021. With hospitals full of Covid no one is calling me back. Si I take it 1 meal at a time. He had seven dilations in 2020. Not much progress in this problemGood luck,

Get well soon

[Deete15]

Did you have 7 or more dilations in a years time, my brother had 8 in 20 and 3 this year. .doctors don’t want to do anymore