ABSTRACT
The article examines the history of esophageal surgery for benign disease, looking at such surgeries as the first esophagotomy for a foreign body performed in 1738 and the first esophageal replacement of the esophagus in 1894. Various diseases are discussed, including stricture of the esophagus, hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux, diverticula of the esophagus, and motility disorders such as achalasia.
Subject(s)
Digestive System Surgical Procedures/history , Esophageal Diseases/history , Diverticulum, Esophageal/history , Diverticulum, Esophageal/surgery , Esophageal Diseases/surgery , Esophageal Stenosis/history , Esophageal Stenosis/surgery , Esophagectomy/history , Gastroesophageal Reflux/history , Gastroesophageal Reflux/surgery , History, 18th Century , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , HumansABSTRACT
On the basis of survey of the special literature about the etiology of diverticula of the oesophagus, author stressed that the origin of the disease still remain unclear. Apparently, the scientists did not take into account the polyetiological factors in origin of the oesophagus' diverticula. Besides, the opinion of on benignity of diverticula and the absence of detailed classification of them were also hindrances to establishment of the problem. The clinical significance of asymptomatic diverticula of the oesophagus, according to the author's experience is not limited to the possible occurrence of complications (diverticulitis, etc). So, between 909 patients subjected to x-ray examination of the oesophagus in 106 (11.6%) of cases were found diverticula of it. In the aged group (59/336)--17.5% and in the cancerous patients even--23.4% (17/72). Diverticula of the oesophagus were found in other groups also (pulmonary tuberculosis--6.1% (6/64), bronchial cancer--5% (7/140), etc. Proceed from this the author counts that in number of cases oesophagus' diverticula are in indirect symptom of different (often severe) affections of the adjacent or distant organs.
Subject(s)
Diverticulum, Esophageal/etiology , Diverticulum, Esophageal/history , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Diverticulum, Esophageal/diagnostic imaging , Germany , History, 18th Century , Humans , Middle Aged , RadiographyABSTRACT
In 1764 Dr. Abraham Ludlow communicated to the Society of Physicians the first anatomic and pathophysiological description of an esophageal diverticulum. That report adeptly detailed this esophageal malady and exemplified the perceptive scientific insight spawned by the hunterian investigative spirit of the mid-eighteenth century.
