Question:
Will I likely have to be dilated again?

I was just scoped and found to have a stricture. Was dilated, and my surgeon said I may have to do it again. Is it common to have it done more than once?    — Cheri M. (posted on December 7, 2001)

December 7, 2001
I think the answer to your question is yes. I think on average I would guess people have 3 to 4 once the have one. I just had my second one a couple weeks ago. You have to figure, we are pretty darn good healers, if our body wanted to close up this new man-made hole to begin with, so it's likely to try again. When this question was posted before, I think there was even a woman who had it done around 7 times. There is only one other person in my support group who has had this problem, and she's gone twice to. So...it seems to me that my evidence points to yes. But you could be the exception! But even if you're not, it's not such a big deal anyway is it? Best of luck to you.
   — Tracy L.

December 7, 2001
I had to have a dilation only once. I have seen one person on this site who claimed to have had to be dilated 14 times. A narrowed stoma is very common. Hopefully you will not have to have it done but once, maybe twice if necessary.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 7, 2001
I was one that has been done 7 -8 times I lost count...it turned out for me that there was a stitch in there and I guess the body kept scarring over and getting blocked...I have been great for two months and just lately have started throwing up again...so I'm thinking dialation one more time...but I will wait and see
   — Sharon F.