[Endoscopic dilation of the gastrointestinal tract]

The endoscopic dilation of the gastrointestinal tract is carried out to relieve either functional or organic disorders, secondary to a variety of both benign and malignant diseases. With the advent of new technologies, virtually all digestive stenosis can be managed in a minimally invasive way. Despite its wide dissemination in actual practice, there are few controlled studies comparing the different forms of endoscopic dilation. In this article, we review this technique and the evidence available for application in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. The future of the dilations includes the development of dilators to assess dilation during the procedure. These advents and the implementation indications, benefits and risks for each of the existing systems of dilations.