[Biomechanical properties of the human esophageal wall and their significance in surgery].

The authors studied the biomechanical and acoustic properties of the esophageal wall as well as the roentgeno-optic density of the esophagus according to its anatomical parts in a wide age range. The mechanical properties were found to be heterogeneous and anisotropic. Their characteristics changed under the effect of atropine and acetylcholine. The property of being distorted and strength decrease in esophagitis, rigidity increases. The rate of spreading of ultrasound increases in compression and ageing but reduces in esophagitis. The obtained data make it possible to develop new methods of diagnosis and management of diseases of the esophagus.