Widening of the esophagus. The esophagus, part of the digestive tract, is a muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Esophageal dilation may be performed to relieve blockage from noncancerous conditions that block the esophagus but cannot be removed. Scarring and narrowing may occur due to prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the antibiotic tetracycline, or potassium supplements. A special type of dilation is required for ACHALASIA, a rare disorder of the esophagus that interferes with swallowing.