Strictures in the esophagus can occur from a variety of conditions including GERD, surgery, motility disorders, or cancer which may cause difficulty in swallowing. These strictures can be dilated in a variety of ways, including balloons passed through an endoscope or under X-ray guidance, or using long graduated tubes called bougies to stretch the narrowed area. These procedures may increase the risk of bleeding associated with the procedure, and your physician may ask you to not take Aspirin, Plavix, or non-steroidal medications (such as Aleve and Motrin) for a period of time after the procedure.
