Esophageal disorders in infants and children.

Although the esophagus functions simply as a conduit between the mouth and the more distal gastrointestinal tract, its physiology and pathophysiology display a complexity that contrasts with that simple function. Thus there are still mysteries about this "tube" and its disorders, and each year brings new revelations. Most attention continues to focus on gastroesophageal reflux, its emerging pathophysiology, multiple manifestations, various diagnostic techniques, and improving methods of treatment. Complications of gastroesophageal reflux, including optimal ways of preventing and treating them, have been explored further. Other aspects of esophageal motility and dysmotility and other causes of inflammation and injury of the esophagus have also been studied during the past year. The surgical literature, especially, continues to struggle with congenital esophageal lesions, particularly esophageal atresia and stenoses.