Benign esophageal disease: Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy

This review which is directed primarily to endoscopists in training briefly evaluates the role of esophagoscopy in the diagnosis and therapy of benign esophageal disorders. Endoscopy and biopsy findings in gastro-esophageal reflux disease and the possible consequences of exogenous chemical damage and foreign body ingestion are highlighted. The appearances of drug induced and corrosive injuries are discussed and the endoscopic features secondary to trauma and fungal, viral and bacterial infections described. The value of therapeutic endoscopy for varices (laser, sclerotherapy), peptic and corrosive strictures (dilatation) and foreign body retrieval is presented.