Introduction Examination of the stomach by upper endoscopy often results in the incidental finding of gastric polyps or thickened gastric folds. Gastric polyps are estimated to be identified in 6% to 8% of all upper endoscopy exams. Most series report…
Introduction The word gastroparesis is derived from the Greek words gastro and pa'resis, and translates to partial paralysis of the stomach. The diagnosis of gastroparesis is defined as delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction, associated with one…
Introduction The incidence of new cases of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is estimated to be 450,000 per year worldwide. Esophageal cancer is the eighth most frequent malignancy and has the sixth-highest cancer-specific mortality. The estimated 5-year survival rate…
Introduction Esophageal cancer remains the eighth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Two main subtypes exist: esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). EAC predominates in North America and Europe, and there…
Introduction and Epidemiology Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the world. There are two major histologic subtypes of esophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancer. Globally, more than 400,000…
Introduction Barrett's esophagus (BE) is an acquired condition resulting from severe esophageal mucosal injury. It is unclear why some patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develop BE whereas others do not. The diagnosis of BE is established if the squamocolumnar…
Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when there is retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. It occurs primarily after meals, and is part of a normal venting process to prevent excessive gastric distension and dyspepsia (the so-called “burp or…
Introduction Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune-mediated clinicopathological disease characterized by esophageal symptoms, eosinophilic inflammation localized to the esophagus, and the absence of other causes of eosinophilia. This evolving definition, devised after multiple iterations by a consensus panel, excludes…
Introduction Gastrointestinal foreign bodies (GIFBs) and food impactions are a common problem encountered by endoscopists, and, next to gastrointestinal bleeding, are the second most common endoscopic emergency encountered. Previous studies have suggested that between 1500 and 2750 deaths occurred in…
Introduction In this chapter, we describe the evaluation, treatment, and subsequent long-term management for patients with benign esophageal strictures. Patients with clinically significant esophageal strictures present with symptoms of dysphagia, typically first to solid foods. Symptoms may then progress in…