Oesophageal emergencies

Oesophageal emergencies are relatively rare in comparison to others emanating from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They encompass four broad groups including bleeding (from tears or varices), obstruction (from cancers, food boluses or foreign objects), perforation) (which may be primary or secondary) as well as caustic injury. The presentation of oesophageal emergencies is pleomorphic and largely dependent on the underlying cause. However, given their relative rarity they are frequently missed, leading to a delay in diagnosis and sub-optimal outcomes.