K22.2: Oesophageal obstruction

The oesophagus or gullet connects the mouth with the stomach. It is a muscular tube. The muscles in the oesophagus move food into the stomach.

If your gullet is obstructed, you can no longer swallow solid foods. Sometimes it may even be that you are also no longer able to swallow drinks or your own saliva. You may feel as though you have a lump in your throat. Pressure or pain in your neck or ribcage may also occur.

There are many reasons for an obstructed gullet. One reason can be that the gullet is being quite severely squeezed from the outside by other organs or scars in the ribcage. Or the muscles of the gullet contract so hard that nothing else passes through it. In some cases, new tissue grows in the gullet. That can be benign or malignant. The new tissue can completely obstruct the gullet. Sometimes scars form in the gullet after it has been damaged. The scars can make the gullet impermeable.

Patient Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.

If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.

For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.