I have a stricture at the site of my anastomosis that I believe is getting worse. Has anyone had dilation with a balloon and was it done by your GI doc or a colorectal surgeon? Did one time do the trick or did you need multiple procedures? Were you awake during the procedure? Any other info would be greatly appreciated too. Thank you very much for your feedback!

I had a procedure called a stricturplasty, which was basically an incision to release part of the stricture so it would not close up. Then it was determined that I might need a period of dilations, either in the office or done by myself . . . and that's where I am right now. I use dilators and lidocaine/diltiazem ointment to help keep the area relaxed to prevent the inner sphincter from going into spams. Basically right now I am trying to heal fissures. My stricture I seem to be managing well so far. I chose this route because I told my surgeon early on I wanted to be able to do whatever I can in the care of my altered body to keep it operating.

Thanks for the info! I hope you are feeling well.

Best wishes,
Karen

I had one in February at the site of my former ostomy. I was sedated and my GI went up and dialated with a balloon. It was only open a finger tip and he opened to a quarter size. Relief from pain later that day!! The plan is to sedate me for my annual scope and go ahead and go on up and see if it is forming again. They did tell me it could reform at any time or not at all. If it keeps reforming often they will go in and resection that area.

Hope this helps.

Thanks very much, that is helpful! I'm going to call my gastroenterologist on Monday, I'm definitely at the point that something needs to be done. I appreciate your feedback, it helps to know how others have done.

Take care,
Karen