Bougienage

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A bougienage or dilatation is the expansion of a constriction in a tubular organ of the body.

Bougienage of the esophagus (gullet)

Indications

Methods

Bougienage is always carried out under sedation and analgesia , as otherwise it would be very painful for the patient. First a device is inserted with which one can view the esophagus from the inside (esophagoscope). A guide wire is then pushed over the constriction under visual inspection. There are basically two options for stretching:

  • Bougie with a bougie: The bougie is a soft catheter without a cavity. The guide wire is mandatory for this type of expansion, otherwise there is a risk of perforation.
  • Balloon dilation : In this method, a non-inflated balloon is inserted into the constriction so that the constriction can be expanded by inflating the balloon. The balloon is not filled with gas, as the term “inflation” suggests, but with a liquid. Gases are compressible and it would be much more difficult to use them to build up the pressure needed for dilation.

Aftercare

Sometimes a metal stent is inserted to keep the passage open to prevent further narrowing. After inserting a stent, the following rules of conduct are recommended:

  • low-fiber food (no salad, high-fiber meat such as chicken etc.)
  • chew every meal well

Bougienage of the gastric outlet

Indications

Narrowing of the stomach outlet caused by a tumor, inflammation, or congenital growth disorder

treatment

Essentially the same as treatment for esophageal tightness

Bougienage of the urethra

Indications

method

In the urethra rods are inserted increasing thickness which remain in each case for several weeks in the urethra to dilate these slowly.

Bougienage of the (end) intestine

In special cases - for example a narrowing of the surgical site (anastomotic stenosis) after an intestinal tumor (e.g. rectal carcinoma) - a bougie with so-called Hegar pens is carried out.

Bougienage of the vagina / neovagina

After operations on the vagina or its regeneration during sex reassignment operations , a vaginal stent or a bougier stick is used to keep the vagina open.

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