Redilation

Redilation is the process of dilating again after an initial dilation. In medical usage, it describes either the recurrence of a previously narrowed lumen that requires another dilation, or the re-expansion of a structure after a period of constriction or recoil. It is a descriptive term rather than a disease, used to indicate a reintervention or a return of obstruction.

Causes of redilation include elastic recoil of tissue after dilation, scar formation or progression of underlying disease, inadequate initial dilation, or ongoing inflammatory or destructive processes. The likelihood of redilation depends on the tissue involved, the underlying pathology, and the method of dilation employed.

Common contexts are gastrointestinal and urologic strictures, such as esophageal or urethral narrowing, where multiple dilations may be part of routine management. In vascular intervention, the term is less standardized than restenosis, but recurrent narrowing after angioplasty may necessitate additional procedures. Redilation can also occur in airway management when recurrent constriction necessitates repeated dilations. The term is used variably across specialties.

Management generally involves repeat dilation procedures, with consideration of adjunct therapies (such as stents or anti-fibrotic approaches) or alternative definitive treatments if recurrence is frequent. Monitoring for complications, including perforation or trauma from repeated dilations, is important. The aim is to relieve obstruction while minimizing harm from repeated interventions.

See also: restenosis, reintervention, dilation (medical), esophageal dilation, urethral dilation.