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What is esophageal Bougienage?

Author

Emily Baldwin

Updated on April 06, 2026

What is esophageal Bougienage?

Esophageal bougienage is a safe and effective method used to dislodge and pass an ingested coin from the esophagus when criteria for its performance are adhered to rigidly.

What is endoscopic dilatation?

Esophageal dilation is a procedure that allows your doctor to dilate, or stretch, a narrowed area of your esophagus [swallowing tube]. Doctors can use various techniques for this procedure. Your doctor might perform the procedure as part of a sedated endoscopy.

What is Bougienage in medicine?

Bougienage: A procedure involving the use of a bougie. A bougie is a thin cylinder of rubber, plastic, metal or another material that a physician inserts into or though a body passageway, such as the esophagus, to widen the passageway, guide another instrument into a passageway, or dislodge an object.

Is esophageal dilation safe?

While esophageal dilation is generally a safe procedure, there are some risks that you should be aware of. Even though the risks sound scary, esophageal dilation, in general, is safe to perform in an outpatient setting and does not need to be performed in a hospital.

What causes dilation of the esophagus?

This is caused by reflux esophagitis. With this problem, the esophagus is irritated by acid reflux (heartburn). This occurs when acid from your stomach flows back up into the esophagus. Stomach acid damages the lining of the esophagus.

Can strictures of the esophagus be cured?

Various treatment methods can treat benign esophageal strictures effectively. However, esophageal strictures can reoccur, and people may need to have repeat dilations to reopen the esophagus. According to one source, 30 percent of people who have an esophageal dilation will require another dilation within a year.

What can I eat with esophageal stricture?

To keep foods soft, raw fruits and vegetables can be replaced with canned and frozen fruits—like applesauce and fruit cups. Avocados and bananas also work well. Soups and broths will help soften squash, potatoes (without the skins), carrots, peas, and other vegetables.

How long does esophagus dilation last?

Most of the effects of the sedation persist for 15-60 minutes, and you may not be able to recall the procedure afterwards. Your throat is usually anesthetized with a spray or liquid to minimize the gag reflex. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus and advanced through the upper digestive tract.

How many times can you have esophageal dilation?

Overall, one to three dilations are sufficient to relieve dysphagia in simple strictures. Only 25–35 % of patients require additional sessions, with a maximum of five dilations in more than 95 % of patients [4].

Is it painful to have your esophagus stretched?

Little discomfort or pain. Effective at relieving esophageal stricture. Side effects are usually minimal (such as a sore throat) One procedure is usually all that’s needed.