OBJECTIVES: Little consensus exists regarding the endoscopic assessment of the esophagogastric junction after antireflux surgery. The purpose of this report is to characterize the gastroesophageal valve appearance unique to each type of antireflux procedure and to introduce an endoscopic lexicon by which to describe this anatomic region. METHODS: Endoscopic images were obtained from patients who… Read more »
Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in primary care: results of a survey in 2 areas in Germany
BACKGROUND: The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing. Although guidelines have been issued on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD, the way in which these should be applied in everyday practice is unclear. The aim of the present survey was to interview private-practice physicians on their personal opinions concerning the management of GERD.… Read more »
Proton pump inhibitors in acute healing and maintenance of erosive or worse esophagitis: a systematic overview
The aim of this paper is to present a systematic overview of the efficacy of the proton pump inhibitors (PPI), omeprazole and the newer lansoprazole, in the healing and maintenance of erosive or worse (grade II to IV) esophagitis. At the time of the 1996 gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) consensus meeting, a third PPI, pantoprazole,… Read more »
Mechanisms of action of antireflux surgery: theory and fact
Abstract Despite the absence of definitive explanations regarding either the physiologic or surgical factors which curtail gastro-esophageal reflux, effective antireflux operations exist. This article explores the theoretical factors relevant to the surgical control of reflux. These theoretical features include: (1) the pressure, length, and location of the manometrically defined lower esophageal sphincter (LES); (2) the… Read more »
The medical management of reflux esophagitis. Role of antacids and acid inhibition
Of the more than 60 million adult Americans who have heartburn at least once a month, 60% choose over-the-counter medication rather than consulting their physician. Those individuals who do seek medical advice for reflux symptoms will probably receive a prescription for an H2-receptor antagonist, although in many instances simple life-style changes and occasional use of… Read more »
The immediate effects of cessation of cigarette smoking on gastroesophageal reflux
Cigarette smoking is thought to adversely affect gastroesophageal reflux. Eight male patients with endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux had 24-h esophageal pH monitoring while smoking at least 20 cigarettes. This was repeated while abstaining from smoking the following day. In the initial study period, 28.3% of the reflux time occurred within 20 min of smoking… Read more »
Evaluation of elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets on gastroesophageal reflux
To ascertain how elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets affect gastroesophageal reflux, we used prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring in 55 symptomatic patients. Acid exposure was separated into reflux frequency and esophageal acid clearance time and recorded during the day in the upright posture and recumbent at night. Values before… Read more »
The Treatment of Hiatal Hernia and Esophageal Reflux by Fundoplication
Nissen, R. (1964). The treatment of hiatal hernia and esophageal reflux by fundoplication (chapter 30). In L.M. Nyhus & H.N. Harkins (Eds), Hernia (1st ed., pp.488-96). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott. After searches in PubMed.gov, Amazon.com and AbeBooks.com we were unable to locate a digital copy of this book chapter. The following material may be protected by… Read more »
A valve mechanism to prevent gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis
Adler RH, Firme CN, Lanigan JM. A valve mechanism to prevent gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis. Surgery. 1958;44:63-75. After searches in PubMed.gov, Amazon.com and AbeBooks.com we were unable to locate a digital copy of this peer-reviewed clinical publication. This material may be protected by copyright law. It is our intent to honor Drs Richard H Adler,… Read more »