Breadcrumb < Gastrointestinal specialty areas Oesophageal conditions Gastrointestinal experts at Mayo Clinic Healthcare specialise in conditions of the oesophagus, such as reflux disease, swallowing issues, cancer and more. Request an appointment Phone+44 (0) 207 871 2575 Share Print the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email the page The Mayo Clinic Healthcare gastrointestinal experts diagnoses and treats diseases of the oesophagus. The oesophagus plays a crucial role in digestion as it connects the mouth with the stomach. To pass food and liquid downward through the organ, muscles contract and relax in a coordinated wave. Sphincters at both ends of the oesophagus open briefly to allow the food and liquids through. If anything goes wrong in the process, you can experience difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, acid reflux or heartburn. Common disorders evaluated include: Achalasia Barrett's oesophagus Chest pain of oesophageal origin Diaphragmatic hernia Diffuse oesophageal spasm Eosinophilic oesophagitis Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) Oesophageal cancer Oesophageal lichen planus Oesophageal motility disorders Swallowing problems Stricture