K22: Other diseases of oesophagus
K22.6: Gastro-oesophageal laceration-haemorrhage syndrome
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.
Inside your gullet, there is a cavity. The wall of the gullet lies around this cavity. The wall is made up of several layers. The innermost layer is the mucous membrane of the gullet. In your case, this mucous membrane is torn lengthwise. The mucous membrane most commonly tears at the junction between the gullet and stomach.
The mucous membrane can tear when the pressure in the stomach increases suddenly or very intensely. That can occur for instance when you have very severe retching or vomiting. But it may also occur if you have a bad cough or strain hard during a bowel movement. The mucous membrane is more sensitive to such tears when you drink alcohol frequently or if there is reflux of gastric acid from the stomach into the gullet.
As a result of the tear, you probably have pain in your stomach or back. There may be bleeding from the mucous membrane tear. It is also possible that you will vomit blood.
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.