Esophageal disease in the elderly patient.

Disorders of the esophagus in elderly patients are usually associated with the classic symptoms of dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and heartburn. Pulmonary complaints as a result of undiagnosed esophageal disease are common in this age group. Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms are attributed to underlying cardiac and pulmonary disease. Elderly patients are more susceptible to the complications of aspiration and malnutrition that often accompany inadequately treated esophageal disease; therefore, prompt and aggressive treatment is indicated. Criteria for surgical intervention in esophageal disease do not change with age. Properly selected elderly patients tolerate esophageal surgery well. Age alone should not constitute a contraindication to surgery of the esophagus.