Bougienage

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Bougienage

Bougienage is a medical procedure that involves the use of a bougie, a thin, flexible instrument, to dilate or examine tubular structures in the body. This technique is commonly employed in the treatment of esophageal strictures, achalasia, and other conditions that cause narrowing of the esophagus or other tubular organs.

History[edit | edit source]

The practice of bougienage dates back to ancient times, with early forms of bougies being used by physicians to treat strictures. Over the centuries, the materials and techniques have evolved, leading to the development of modern bougies made from materials such as rubber, plastic, and metal.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Bougienage is indicated in several medical conditions, including:

  • Esophageal strictures: Narrowing of the esophagus due to scarring, inflammation, or other causes.
  • Achalasia: A disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly, causing difficulty in swallowing.
  • Pyloric stenosis: Narrowing of the opening from the stomach to the duodenum.
  • Urethral strictures: Narrowing of the urethra, often due to injury or infection.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure of bougienage involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is usually sedated or under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. 2. Insertion: A lubricated bougie is gently inserted into the affected tubular structure. 3. Dilation: The bougie is advanced through the stricture, gradually dilating the narrowed area. 4. Assessment: The procedure may be repeated with progressively larger bougies until the desired dilation is achieved.

Complications[edit | edit source]

While generally safe, bougienage can have complications, including:

  • Perforation: A tear in the wall of the organ being dilated.
  • Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common, but significant bleeding is rare.
  • Infection: Risk of infection at the site of dilation.

Alternatives[edit | edit source]

Alternatives to bougienage include:

Also see[edit | edit source]



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