Has anyone had to have Esophageal stretching? I am almost two years out and starting to experience increased difficulty in swallowing. My Rad Doctor told me that I may have to have a stretching procedure and that it is normal after radiation between the 2nd anf 5th year for this to occur in some head/neck patients.

Hello wfc:
I have had my esophagus stretched probably every 6 months since my treatments ended in 2/2008. It does help you swallow better; I just wish it would last longer than 4 to 6 months. In fact, I am having mine done Monday by a gastro doctor who is also looking for some acid reflux and other gastro problems I have. It's an upper endoscopy and you're asleep while they do it, but not into a deep sleep - just enough for you not to feel anything. One time when I had it, I could actually "hear" what was being said, but that was an oddity. Luckily they didn't see anything or comment on anything negative or I would have probably tried to get out of there. I'm just telling you this to be funny but it only happened to me once and for just a few seconds.
julieann

Yes, I am a year and a half out of radiation and have just had my second "esophageal dilation." My first two were about 3 months apart. So far, not much long term help. The couple days afterward are great but within a week, we're back to swallowing issues. My GI doc says it might take a year or more of rinse and repeat to see any long term progress.

Mark

We are doing a throat stretch in 2 weeks. I'm assuming this is the same? It is not being done by my GI but rather my surgical oncologist who did the neck dissection.