My spouse had a stricture of the esophagus which was detected by a barium swallowing test several months ago. She had 35 radiation treatments to neck and face plus 4 concurrent cisplatin doses.

Because of this stricture she could not eat or drink and she had a G-tube.

The Dr recommended dilation of the esophagus. So far she has had six dilations averaging one every three weeks or so.

The ENT says that it will take several due to the scar tissue in the esophagus as a result of the radiation treatments. So far the dilations however have not been much of an improvent. She can drink water and eat shakes barely and not much else.

I would like to hear from other members of the forum as to their experience with dilations of the esophagus. How many times it was done, side-effects, and their overall experince with being able to eat solid foods followng the dilations.

Is it worth it to continue, will there be an marked improvement with time, are we expecting too much?

Vin