Q39: Congenital malformations of oesophagus

Q39.3: Congenital stenosis and stricture of oesophagus

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 tissue fails to develop properly, defects can occur.

A narrowed esophagus can cause various problems. Food may then only get through the trachea into the stomach to a restricted degree. Swallowing might be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation behind the sternum. Food might also come back into the mouth from the esophagus.