Luminal obstruction of the digestive tract may be due to non-cancerous causes such as:

• Accidental ingestion of caustic liquids
• Excessive gastric acid exposure
• Post-surgery scarring
• Radiation therapy
• Inflammation

Some patients may have swallowing difficulties due to a rare problem called achalasia. It is a condition in which the muscles of the lower oesophagus fail to relax, preventing food from entering the stomach.

Endoscopic dilation therapy may be performed as an alternative to surgery in patients with these problems. Dilation utilises special balloons or dilating catheters to stretch the narrowing. Several sessions are usually required before the obstruction can be successfully relieved.