Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

esophageal stricture, chronic
A long-standing
narrowing or closure of the normal opening of the
swallowing tube that leads to the stomach, usually
caused by scarring from acid irritation. Chronic
esophageal stricture is a common complication of
chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Several procedures are available for stretching (dilat-
ing) the strictures without having to resort to surgery.
One procedure involves placing a deflated balloon
across the stricture at the time of endoscopy. The bal-
loon is then inflated, thereby opening the narrowing
caused by the stricture. Another method involves
inserting tapered dilators of different sizes through the
mouth and into the esophagus to dilate the stricture.
esophageal ulcer
A crater in the lining of the
esophagus that is created by the corrosive acidic
digestive juices secreted by the stomach cells. Ulcer
formation is related to the presence of Helicobacter
pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the stomach, use of anti-
inflammatory medications, and cigarette smoking.
Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or
severity of ulceration. Diagnosis is made through bar-
ium X-ray or endoscopy. Complications of ulcers
include bleeding and perforation. Treatment includes
using antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, eliminating
risk factors, and preventing complications.
esophagectomy
An operation to remove a por-
tion of the esophagus.
esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus.
esophagogastric tamponade
See 
balloon tam-
ponade.
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
See 
endoscopy,
upper.
esophagoscopy
Examination of the esophagus
by using a thin, lighted instrument.
esophagram
A series of X-rays of the esophagus.
The X-ray pictures are taken after the patient drinks
a barium solution that coats and outlines the walls
of the esophagus. See also 
barium swallow
.
esophagus
The tube that connects the throat with
the stomach. The esophagus lies between the trachea
(windpipe) and the spine. In an adult, the esophagus
is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. When a
person swallows, the muscular walls of the esopha-
gus contract to push food down into the stomach.
Glands in the lining of the esophagus produce
mucus, which keeps the passageway moist and facil-
itates swallowing. Also known as gullet.