Bougievervanging

Bougievervanging is a medical term describing the exchange or replacement of a bougie during a procedural dilation or guide-work in a body lumen. A bougie is a slender, flexible instrument used either to dilate a narrowed passage or to serve as a guide for placing additional devices such as scopes, catheters, or stents. Bougievervanging typically occurs when the initial bougie cannot advance further, when a different caliber is needed, or when access must be maintained while switching tools.

Indications for bougievervanging include progressive dilation of esophageal or urethral strictures, airway management where a bougie guides intubation and a change is warranted, and scenarios requiring repositioning or exchanging devices that follow a bougie’s path. The procedure is usually performed by trained clinicians in controlled settings, with attention to sterility, patient comfort or sedation, and continuous monitoring.

Technique and considerations involve careful removal or exchange of the current bougie, potential use of a guidewire or endoscopic guidance, and gradual, gentle advancement of the new instrument. Lubrication, imaging guidance, and alignment with the intended lumen are common practices. After replacement, clinicians verify access and proceed with the planned dilation or device placement.

Risks associated with bougievervanging include mucosal injury or perforation, bleeding, infection, misplacement of the bougie, and anesthesia-related complications if airway instruments are involved. Alternatives to exchanging a bougie include sequential use of different bougie sizes, balloon dilation, or other dilation methods depending on the clinical context.

Notes: the term is more commonly described in Dutch-language medical literature, and equivalent terms in English may vary by specialty and region. The concept centers on safely exchanging a bougie to enable successful dilation or instrument placement.