Functional Diseases of the Esophagus

This is an open access book on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and surgical techniques of functional diseases of the esophagus.

In the past, these diseases were only studied and treated in a few centres. However, in the last thirty years, thanks to the advent of laparoscopic surgery, interest in these pathologies has broadened considerably, and not only from a surgical point of view: new diagnostic technologies have in fact been developed that have led to more appropriate classifications and endoscopic treatments have been proposed with excellent results; in addition, robotic surgery is emerging in specialised centres and is likely to replace the laparoscopic approach.

1. History of esophageal functional diseases and their treatment. - 2. Esophageal anatomy and physiology. Epidemiology and pathophysiology of functional disorders. - 3. Radiological evaluation of functional diseases of the esophagus. - 4. Functional motor disorders of the esophagus. - 5. Esophageal pH and pH-impedance monitoring. - 6. New techniques of endoscopy. - 7. Hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter and hiatal hernia: clinical symptoms and diagnosis. - 8. Neuromuscular diagnosis by esophageal tests. - 9. Esophagitis and Barrett s esophagus.