Therapeutic endoscopy in the esophagus

Therapeutic endoscopy in the esophagus has become a common procedure for a variety of clinical conditions. Peptic disorders of the esophagus especially deserve a consequent bougienage with various types of bougies. Interest has focused on the development of improved bougienage devices that could be tested with conventional techniques. Laser application is now a routine procedure in the palliative relief of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Major questions concern the final outcome of patients in this particular situation; interesting developments concerning new light-delivery systems or the influence of photodynamic therapy are of growing significance. Finally, a few peculiar case reports underline the therapeutic possibilities that are a result of advanced endoscopy in esophageal disorders.