ABSTRACT
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that connects the pharynx above to the stomach below. The oesophagus is described as starting at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra that is, at the level of the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. Congenital abnormalities of the oesophagus are rare but may account for some cases of infant death or may lead to problems with feeding or failure to thrive. The impaction of foreign bodies in the oesophagus is a common occurrence, the complications of which can be extremely serious and even life-threatening. The patient tends to be young and presents with progressive dysphagia, regurgitation and weight loss. Features of a pharyngeal pouch include progressive dysphagia, regurgitation of undigested food, halitosis and gurgling noises emanating from the neck. Progressive dysphagia, weight loss and discomfort in the throat are the common presenting features.
