This book aims to be a synthesis of our current knowledge about the normal and pathological esophagus. Although a number of excellent monographs on limited aspects of esophageal pathology are available, a recent handbook treating the whole of esophageal physiology and pathology is lacking. We attempted to present the collected material in such a way that even the neophyte in the field would not get lost in the wealth of data. For this reason we have included a number of illustrations such as classical radiological and endoscopic images, manometric tracings and uncomplicated graphs, which may seem superfluous for specialists but will be helpful to the reader who wants to be initiated in the subject. At the same time we tried to be fairly complete so as to make available to the esophageal specialist a book of references, to which he can readily turn when faced with rare diseases or unusual physiological or pathophysiological pheno mena. In order to achieve both aims the authors often give their own point of view when faced with controversal topics, while classical as well as more recent features and concepts are mentioned and diverging opinions discussed.

1 Basic Data

Anatomy and Embryology
Histology and Electron Microscopy
Physiology
2 Diagnostic Procedures
History and Symptoms of Esophageal Disease
Radiological Examination of the Esophagus
Esophagoscopy
Exfoliative Cytology of the Esophagus
The Manometric Examination of the Esophagus
pH Measurements
PD Measurements
The Acid Infusion Test
Pharmacological Tests
Electromyography of the Esophagus
3 Motility Disturbances of the Esophagus
Achalasia
Diffuse Esophageal Spasm
Post-Vagotomy Dysphagia
Presbyesophagus
Esophageal Motility in Neonatal Infants
Motor Disorders Due to Collagen Diseases
Motor Disorders Due to Muscle Disorders
Motor Disorders Due to Lesions of the Central Nervous System
Motor Disorders Due to Peripheral Nerve Lesions
Emotional Disorders of the Esophagus
The Pathophysiological Basis of Gastroesophageal and Intestinoesophageal Reflux
4 Tumors of the Esophagus
Benign Tumors and Cysts of the Esophagus
Malignant Tumors of the Esophagus
5 Inflammatory Lesions of the Esophagus
Reflux Esophagitis
Lower Esophagus Lined with Columnar Epithelium
Caustic Lesions of the Esophagus
Acute Infectious Disease
Tuberculosis of the Esophagus
Syphilis of the Esophagus
Esophageal Mycoses
Granulomatous Esophagitis
6
Esophageal Webs and Rings
7
Esophageal Diverticula
8 Congenital Anomalies of the Esophagus
Esophageal Atresia
Isolated Trachoesophageal Fistula
Bronchoesophageal Fistula
Cleft Larynx. Laryngotracheoesophageal Cleft. Persistent Esophagotrachea
Vascular Rings
9 Mechanical Lesions of the Esophagus
Traumatic Lesions of the Esophagus
Foreign Bodies in the Esophagus
Spontaneous Rupture of the Esophagus
Iatrogenic Perforations of the Esophagus
Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
Intramural Rupture and Bleeding
10
Esophageal Varices
11
Hiatus Hernia
12
Resection and Reconstruction of the Esophagus
13
Etiology and Non-Surgical Treatment of Organic Esophageal Stenosis
14
Acquired Esophageal Fistula
15
The Esophagus in Cutaneous Diseases
16
Miscellaneous and Rare Diseases.