Dilator

A dilator is a medical instrument or device designed to expand or enlarge a bodily orifice, duct, or cavity. This expansion is achieved by gradually increasing the diameter of the target area. Dilators are often used in procedures involving the esophagus, urethra, cervix, anus, or blood vessels to treat strictures, obstructions, or facilitate other medical interventions. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, tailored to the specific anatomical location and therapeutic need. The process of dilation, carefully executed, aims to restore normal function or provide access for further diagnostic or surgical procedures.

Dilator meaning with examples

• A gastroenterologist used esophageal dilators to widen a patient's constricted esophagus, enabling easier swallowing and alleviating pain associated with the stricture. The procedure involved gradually introducing dilators of increasing size, gently stretching the narrowed area.
• Urethral dilators, inserted into the urethra, helped open a patient's narrowed urinary passage, relieving urinary retention and discomfort caused by a stricture. The urologist selected the appropriate dilator size and technique to avoid complications.
• During a gynecological procedure, cervical dilators were used to open the cervix, allowing access to the uterine cavity for further examination or intervention. Careful control was essential to prevent injury.
• Following a surgical procedure, anal dilators were prescribed to the patient to prevent scar tissue formation and maintain a sufficient anal opening. Regular use helps avoid post-operative complications and promote healing.