DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS



Although the esophagus appears to be a simple organ, esophageal disease is common and ranges from trivial complaints of heartburn to major clin­ical problems of aspiration, obstruction, and hem­orrhage. This chapter will briefly outline normal esophageal function and describe a group of unique symptoms characteristic of most esopha­geal disorders. The major benign categories of esophageal disorders, gastroesophageal reflux dis­ease and motility disorders, will be discussed with a brief review of other common esophageal diseases. Malignant disease of the esophagus will be discussed in Chapter 41.