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Affixes

oesophag(o)-

Also esophag(o)‑

The oesophagus.

Greek oisophagos, gullet.

The oesophagus is the gullet, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. An oesophagoscope is an instrument for the inspection or treatment of it; oesophagitis is inflammation of it, heartburn; oesophagectomy (Greek ektomē, excision) is its surgical removal; oesophagostomy (Greek stoma, mouth) is an operation in which it is opened into the neck, usually as a temporary measure to allow feeding. In the US, it is common to use the spelling esophago‑ instead.

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