If swallowing difficulties from strictures or achalasia disrupt your meals, esophageal dilation offers relief—and DPC ensures this procedure is smoothly managed with tailored support from start to finish.
Esophageal dilation uses balloons or bougies to stretch narrowed areas caused by:
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE): Allergic inflammation.
Achalasia: Failed lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
Scarring: From GERD, radiation, or surgery.
The outpatient procedure takes 15–30 minutes under sedation.
Key facts for patients:
Uses: Treats dysphagia, food impaction, chronic heartburn.
Safety: Low-risk; perforation occurs in <0.1% of cases.
Costs: Traditional clinics charge 2,000–5,000 USD; DPC reduces fees through bundled care.
Risks of delayed treatment:
Malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) replaces fragmented GI care with coordinated, patient-first support.
Same-day endoscopy: Confirm stricture location and severity.
Gastroenterologist collaboration: Partner with motility specialists for complex cases.
Pre-op optimization: Manage EoE with PPIs or steroids to reduce recurrence.
All-inclusive pricing: Membership covers procedure, follow-ups, and urgent care.
Reduced fees: DPC patients save 1,000–3,000 USD through self-pay rates.
Alternative options: Discuss POEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy) for achalasia.
24/7 access: Address post-procedure chest pain or bleeding immediately.
Custom aftercare: Soft diet plans, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD.
Preventive care: Schedule repeat dilations or allergy testing for EoE.
Case 1: Sarah, 30, with EoE
Sarah’s DPC team performed dilation + swallowed steroids, allowing her to eat solids again.
Case 2: John, 60, with achalasia
John’s DPC provider used balloon dilation, relieving years of dysphagia.
Q: How soon can I eat after dilation?
A: Start with liquids, advancing to solids over 24–48 hours.
Q: Will I need multiple dilations?
A: Possibly. DPC monitors and schedules based on stricture recurrence.
Q: Are biopsies taken during dilation?
A: Yes, to rule out eosinophilic esophagitis or malignancy.
Q: What if dilation doesn’t work?
A: DPC explores alternatives—stent placement, surgery, or Botox injections.
The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) emphasizes early dilation for dysphagia. DPC delivers by:
Slashing wait times: 90% of dilations done within 1 week vs. 3+ weeks traditionally.
Reducing complications: Gradual dilation cuts perforation risk by 50%.
Cutting costs: Members save 1,500–4,000 USD annually through bundled care.
Esophageal dilation isn’t just about widening a passage—it’s about reclaiming the joy of eating. With DPC, you gain a partner who coordinates every step, from diagnosis to dietary guidance, ensuring you swallow safely and comfortably. No insurance delays, no fragmented follow-ups—just compassionate expertise that nourishes your health.
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