Oesophageal Stricture

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

The most common treatment for oesophageal stricture is oesophageal dilation, a procedure aimed at widening the narrowed area of the oesophagus. During the dilation, a doctor uses an endoscope—a flexible tube with a light and camera—to visually guide instruments through the patient’s mouth into the oesophagus. Depending on the severity of the stricture, there are several techniques to dilate the oesophagus:

  • Balloon dilation: A balloon is inflated at the site of the narrowing to stretch the oesophagus.
  • Bougie dilation: A series of flexible rods or dilators of increasing diameter are passed through the oesophagus to widen the stricture gradually.
  • Stent placement: In some cases, a stent (a small, expandable tube) may be placed to keep the oesophagus open.

The procedure is minimally invasive and often performed under sedation or light anesthesia. It is done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. Oesophageal dilation can significantly reduce or eliminate the difficulty in swallowing, allowing patients to eat more comfortably. However, for some patients, repeated treatments may be necessary to prevent recurrence of the stricture.

In some cases where dilation alone is not effective, patients may require surgery to remove the narrowed section of the oesophagus. This is usually a last resort and is recommended only when other treatment options fail to provide relief.

Procedure Duration

The duration of the oesophageal dilation procedure varies depending on the complexity of the stricture. For most patients, the procedure itself typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes. After the procedure, patients are usually monitored for a few hours to ensure that there are no immediate complications, such as bleeding or perforation of the oesophagus.

Recovery Time:

Most patients can go home the same day, though it is common to experience mild discomfort, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing for a few days following the procedure. Full recovery, including the return to normal eating and drinking habits, typically takes about 24 to 48 hours.

Long-term Monitoring:

For patients with recurring strictures, regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the condition. Some individuals may require multiple dilation sessions over a period of months or years. Patients with more severe or complex strictures, such as those caused by chronic acid reflux or radiation, may need long-term treatment plans that include lifestyle changes, medications, or further interventions.

In cases where surgery is needed, the recovery time is significantly longer, with patients requiring weeks or months to fully heal, and they may need to make permanent adjustments to their diet and lifestyle.

Benefits

  • Improved Swallowing: The primary benefit is the relief from swallowing difficulties, allowing patients to eat and drink normally again.
  • Minimally Invasive: The dilation procedure is non-surgical and typically performed on an outpatient basis, requiring minimal downtime.
  • Fast Recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.
  • Temporary or Permanent Relief: For many patients, dilation provides long-term relief from symptoms, though some may need repeated treatments.
  • Safe and Effective: The procedure has a high success rate, especially when performed by skilled specialists, with few serious complications.

Potential Destinations

Medical tourists seeking oesophageal stricture treatment often explore international destinations known for high-quality healthcare and affordability. Here are five ideal destinations for this procedure:

  • India: Renowned for its state-of-the-art medical facilities and highly trained gastroenterologists, India offers cost-effective oesophageal stricture treatment. Many hospitals in cities like Mumbai and Delhi have modern infrastructure and offer advanced treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
  • Thailand: Known for its excellent medical services, Thailand attracts patients from around the world. With internationally accredited hospitals in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand offers affordable oesophageal dilation treatments with world-class specialists and personalized care.
  • Turkey: With its growing reputation as a leading destination for medical tourism, Turkey boasts cutting-edge medical technology and highly experienced healthcare professionals. Cities like Istanbul and Ankara have top-tier hospitals offering oesophageal stricture treatments at competitive prices.
  • Mexico: For patients seeking treatment closer to the U.S., Mexico provides an attractive option. With experienced gastroenterologists and state-of-the-art facilities in cities such as Tijuana and Mexico City, Mexico is known for offering high-quality care at significantly reduced costs.
  • Hungary: As a leading destination for medical tourists in Europe, Hungary offers advanced healthcare services, including oesophageal stricture treatments, at affordable rates. With top hospitals in cities like Budapest, patients can expect excellent care without long waiting times.

Risks & Considerations

  • Perforation of the Oesophagus: One of the more serious risks is the possibility of creating a small tear in the oesophagus during the dilation process, which may require additional treatment or surgery.
  • Bleeding: While rare, bleeding can occur during or after the procedure, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions that increase the risk.
  • Recurrent Strictures: Some patients may experience a recurrence of the oesophageal stricture, requiring multiple treatments over time to maintain an open oesophageal passage.
  • Infection: Although uncommon, infection can occur at the site of treatment, requiring antibiotic intervention.
  • Anesthesia Risks: Patients undergoing sedation or general anesthesia may face complications related to anesthesia, especially those with underlying health conditions.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

When seeking treatment for oesophageal stricture abroad, selecting the right doctor and hospital is critical to ensure the best outcomes. Patients should look for a gastroenterologist or surgeon who has extensive experience with oesophageal dilation procedures. Verifying credentials and the doctor’s success rate with similar cases is essential.

Hospitals should be equipped with advanced endoscopic and diagnostic tools to ensure accurate treatment and avoid complications. Patients are advised to choose facilities that adhere to international healthcare standards and have positive patient reviews. It is also important to check if the hospital provides post-procedure follow-up care, especially for those who may need repeat treatments or longer-term management of their condition.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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