Treatment of constrictions in the gastrointestinal tract
(bougienage and balloon dilatation)Obstructions in the gastrointestinal tract can often be treated very effectively with the help of endoscopy. Two procedures are used: bougienage and balloon dilatation. The materials required for these methods are introduced into the body via the working channel of the endoscope.
In bougienage, tapered plastic rods are pushed through the constriction using a wire. Different rods are used one after the other, becoming thicker from time to time. The constriction is thus widened step by step. In balloon dilatation, special balloon catheters are inserted. By filling the balloons with water or air, the constriction is then also gradually widened.
In most cases, a single treatment is not sufficient, but several treatments are carried out at intervals to be determined by the physician. Most procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, but in special cases, hospitalization may be necessary. The examination is of course performed under anesthesia and is therefore painless.
For recommendations on what to do before and after treatment, please refer to the information on gastroscopy and colonoscopy.