Diagnostic work up and preoperative preparation The diagnostic work-up will include barium swallow, upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy and biopsy (where malignancy was suspected), hypopharyngoscopy (for corrosive stricture of esophagus), as well as haemogram, serum chemistry, liver function tests, ECG, chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests. In the malignant group, preoperative imaging will also include computed tomography (CT) scan from the neck to the upper abdomen including the liver and celiac axis. Preoperative nutrition will be maintained and if required a ryle tube or feeding jejunostomy will be done. Incentive spirometry, steam inhalation, bronchodilators and antibiotics will be used to improve the pulmonary status as required.