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Effectively Treat Dysphagia With Esophageal Stenting in Naples, FL

Your esophagus plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing both liquids and solids; whenever you swallow, the muscles of the esophagus contract to push food down into the stomach. However, certain issues can cause the esophagus to become partially blocked, which can make it difficult and painful to swallow. This condition is called dysphagia, and at Meliora Healthcare, we offer a procedure called esophageal stenting to effectively treat it.

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What Is Esophageal Stenting?

Esophageal stenting is a medical procedure performed to treat dysphagia by keeping the esophagus open and functioning properly. The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, but it can become partially obstructed for any of the following reasons:

  • Cancer of the esophagus or the upper part of the stomach
  • Narrowing of the esophagus due to an ulcer
  • Narrowing of the esophagus due to radiation treatment
  • An abnormal opening between the trachea and esophagus
  • A hole in the esophagus

Who Is a Good Candidate for Esophageal Stenting?

If you’re suffering from dysphagia and would like to treat it with a non-surgical procedure, you could be a good candidate for esophageal stenting. Typically, the best candidates for this procedure are experiencing some or all of the following dysphagia symptoms:

  • Difficulty swallowing in general
  • Difficulty swallowing only certain foods or liquids
  • Feeling like there’s food stuck in your chest
  • Coughing or choking when eating or drinking
  • Regurgitating food
  • Frequent drooling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chest infections

Before you undergo esophageal stenting, one of our skilled gastroenterologists will meet with you and evaluate your health and symptoms. With this information, they can help you decide if esophageal stenting is an ideal choice for your situation.

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What to Expect During the Procedure

Your esophageal stenting procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis using either general anesthesia or conscious sedation. A local anesthetic may also be used to numb the back of your throat. Throughout the procedure, either continuous chest X-rays or an endoscope with a camera will be used by the doctor to monitor and direct the stenting process. To begin, a catheter will be inserted through your mouth and into your esophagus. Your doctor will then carefully place the collapsed esophageal stent over the catheter. The stent will then open up against the esophageal walls, supporting the esophagus and keeping it open. Finally, the catheter will be removed.

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What Is the Recovery Like?

Most patients need to rest for a day or two after the esophageal stenting procedure before returning to work. You’ll likely feel some discomfort in your chest for a couple of days, and your doctor will give you specific instructions as to when you can resume normal eating. Typically, you’ll need to start with only fluids, then soft foods as you gradually progress back to your regular diet over a few days.

Why Choose Meliora Healthcare for Your Esophageal Stenting Procedure?

When you go with Meliora Healthcare for your esophageal stenting procedure, our highly skilled and experienced gastroenterologists will ensure that your treatment is smooth and successful. At Meliora, our physicians are widely respected for their expertise, high-quality care, and patient-centric approaches. We're also committed to constant improvement. Patient feedback drives us to refine our services, ensuring that we consistently exceed expectations. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, just reach out to our office today.

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Esophageal Stenting FAQ

How long does the procedure take?

Is an esophageal stent painful?

How long will my esophageal stent stay in place?

How long does the procedure take?

On average, the esophageal stenting procedure takes around 30 minutes to an hour. You’ll need to remain at the facility to be monitored while your anesthesia or sedation wears off; after that, a friend or family member can drive you home.

Is an esophageal stent painful?

For most patients, the esophageal stent causes mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which can be treated with pain meds if necessary. Usually, once the initial discomfort subsides, the device is entirely comfortable.

How long will my esophageal stent stay in place?

Esophageal stents can be used for both short and long-term treatment of dysphagia. The ideal length of time to keep the stent in place varies from patient to patient, but usually, it will be kept for around six to eight weeks. When the time comes to remove the stent, it can be done through a relatively quick and simple procedure.

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