Symptomatic and physiologic outcomes after operative treatment for extraesophageal reflux

B. K. Oelschlager, T. R. Eubanks, D. Oleynikov, C. Pope, C. A. Pellegrini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

60 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Pharyngeal pH monitoring has recently been used to identify patients with extraesophageal symptoms induced by gastroesophageal reflux. We employed this method of acid detection to evaluate patients with respiratory symptoms prior to and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to further elucidate the relationship between GERD and respiratory symptoms. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with extraesophageal symptoms thought to be caused by reflux underwent symptomatic and functional evaluation (esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring with a pharyngeal probe) before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Episodes of pharyngeal acid exposure were considered abnormal if the pH dropped below 4, occurred simultaneously with esophageal acidification, and occurred outside meal times. Results: All patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory symptoms; nine of 15 (60%) had evidence of pharyngeal reflux preoperatively. Antireflux procedures resulted in a significant decrease in pharyngeal reflux (7.9 to 1.6 episodes/24h; p<0.05) and esophageal acid exposure (7.5% to 2.1%; p<0.05). In patients with pharyngeal reflux and complete postoperative testing, three (60%) obtained improvement of respiratory symptoms and resolution of pharyngeal reflux. In two patients with recurrent respiratory symptoms after surgery, persistent pharyngeal reflux was detected. Conclusions: Operative treatment of GERD is effective in controlling extraesophageal reflux, measured subjectively and objectively. Evidence of pharyngeal reflux on pH testing helps to identify which patients with respiratory symptoms will benefit from an antireflux procedure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1032-1036
Number of pages5
JournalSurgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques
Volume16
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aspiration
  • Cough
  • Extraesophageal reflux
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Nissen fundoplication
  • Pharyngeal reflux
  • Reflux
  • Respiratory symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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