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Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus
Author(s) -
Gavaghan Mary
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)62494-0
Subject(s) - esophagus , medicine , hiatal hernia , achalasia , ingestion , general surgery , disease , esophageal cancer , cancer , reflux , gastroenterology , pathology , surgery
Modern diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disease is a result of progress in assessing the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus, as well as refinements in anesthetic and surgical techniques. Esophageal carcinoma spreads rapidly and metastasizes easily. The tendency for early spread and the absence of symptoms result in late diagnosis that reduces treatment options and cure rates. Lifestyle (ie, use of alcohol and tobacco), nutritional deficiencies, ingestion of nitrosamines, and mutagen‐inducing fungi are blamed for cancer of the esophagus. Other pathologic conditions (eg, achalasia, Barrett's epithelium, gastric reflux, hiatal hernia) are potential contributors to the development of carcinoma. Nurses are in key positions to identify the existence of factors contributing to premalignant or malignant lesions and to educate patients and make the appropriate referrals. AORN J 69 (Feb 1999) 372–386.