Barrett esophagus is the condition in which an abnormal columnar epithelium that has both gastric and intestinal features and that is predisposed to malignancy replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus. The condition is named for…
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a physiologic process by which gastric contents move retrograde from the stomach to the esophagus. GER itself is not a disease and occurs multiple times each day without producing symptoms or mucosal damage. In contrast, GERD…
Medication-Induced Esophageal Injury Medication-induced esophageal injury occurs at any age and from a variety of commonly used medications. Nevertheless, medication-induced esophageal injury is likely underdiagnosed in clinical practice for several reasons. First, common and more serious problems such as acute…
The esophagus is a muscular tube with a sphincter at each end joining the hypopharynx to the stomach with the simple function of transporting food, fluid, and gas between these endpoints. As such, the esophagus encompasses the anatomic and physiologic…
Anatomy and Histology The esophagus acts as a conduit for the transport of food from the oral cavity to the stomach. To carry out this task safely and effectively, the esophagus is constructed as an 18- to 26-cm long hollow…
Complications of Newer Endoscopic Techniques GI endoscopy plays an integral part in the diagnosis and management of a variety of GI ailments. Risks and benefits are inherent to the performance of any procedure. In recent years, the “scope” of GI…
Early and late GI organ injury may occur following irradiation of thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic malignancies of GI and non-GI origin. As with all toxicities associated with radiation therapy (RT), GI side effects are categorized broadly into 2 types: early…
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Function in Normal Pregnancy The GI tract undergoes dramatic modifications during pregnancy. Intra-abdominal organs must move to accommodate uterine growth, hormonal factors alter motility, and the immunologic adaptation to pregnancy affects response to disease. Heartburn, nausea, abdominal…
Secondary inflammation of the peritoneum frequently presents with the patient in extremis requiring a procedural intervention and is commonly referred to as “surgical peritonitis.” Primary peritonitis or SBP has a distinct pathophysiology and is discussed in Chapter 93 . This…
Vascular lesions and disorders of the GI tract are being more accurately documented as our diagnostic modalities become more sophisticated. Among the diagnostic techniques commonly used today are upper and lower tract endoscopy, single- and double-balloon enteroscopy (SBE and DBE),…