There are some major problems that can happen during this procedure, though they don't happen often. Your health may play a role in whether they happen or not. For example, patients with severe heart disease, diabetes, serious gastrointestinal or lung disease have a higher chance of complications occurring than those without these conditions. Your health may also be an important part of how well your body heals if any of these things happen.

If your doctor performs dilation during the procedure, the complication rate can be higher. This is because dilation is a delicate procedure that stretches a narrowed section of your esophagus, stomach or small intestine.