Esophageal disease states Achalasia Definition Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown cause, which is characterized by insufficient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation and aperistalsis. Etiology The cause…
Esophageal testing Endoscopy Indications Endoscopy is the technique of choice to detect structural abnormalities of the esophagus and to evaluate the mucosa. The most common indications include dysphagia, symptoms of…
Esophageal symptom assessment Typical symptoms Heartburn (pyrosis) and acid regurgitation Definition Heartburn is a substernal burning sensation, usually occurring from 30 minutes to 2 hours post-prandial, that can radiate up…
Normal esophageal anatomy and physiology Gross anatomy The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach, the proximal margin of which is the upper esophageal sphincter (UES)….
