They said that using an endoscope to push or pull the obstruction out wasn't an option, as there is a severe risk of tearing the oesophagus lining

I thought there was someone who had been through this on ET! I too was worried about the endoscopic procedure and very glad it worked. I'm also very glad for Medicare and am keeping my fingers crossed for my wife for the next 16 months. We have already paid more than $12,000 out of pocket for procedures she has needed and that is after paying >$700/month for her "insurance".  

As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."