Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the name indicates is the reflux of stomach
contents back into the esophagus. Generally what happens, when we ingest food it passes
through the esophagus, there is a valve at the lower end of esophagus which relax or opens
and food enter into the stomach and after that valve gets closed. When this valve is not
competent enough stomach contents reflux back.
Causes Improper function of lower esophageal sphincter muscle as described above is the
reason for gastroesophageal reflux
Symptoms: Heartburn (Burning sensation in chest, usually after eating, worsened at
night) Regurgitation of food contents Difficulty swallowing Chronic cough/ New or worsening
asthma
Risk Factors : Obesity, Hiatus Hernia, Delayed stomach emptying, Pregnancy Smoking,
Alcohol/ Coffee, Eating large meal
Complications: Esophagus ulcer is the first finding on endoscopy in simple reflux
disease. Long standing reflux can cause Barretts esophagus which is a premaligant condition
which predispose to esophagus cancer. Continuous reflux can cause benign esophageal
stricture
Diagnosis: Oesophageal pH monitoring is the gold standard test to confirm the prsence
of reflux Upper GI Endoscopy Esophageal Manometry
Treatment First step is life-style modification Medical treatment include proton pump
inhibitors which decrease the amount of acid produced by the stomach. these includes
pantocid, rabeprazole. Another group of medicines which are beneficial include H2 blockers,
Antacids, Prokinetics Surgical management: Surgery is indicated if above methods fail, and
lower esophageal sphincter muscle is weak, associated hiatus hernia. In these cases Niissen
fundoplication is done
Diaphragam is a muscular wall which separates chest cavity from abdomen cavity. Hiatus is an
opening in the diaphragam through which esophagus enters from thorax into the abdomen. A
hiatus hernia occur when stomach most commonly or other abdomen organs enters into thorax
through this opening
Types of Hiatus Hernia There are two types of hiatus hernia one is sliding and other is
paraesophageal. In sliding hernia GE junction migrates into the thorax.In Paraesophageal
hernia GE junction remains stable, stomach most commonly or other abdomen organs rolls into
the thorax through side of Oesophagus
Symptoms: Most commonly patient present with long history of heartburn. Heartburn is
defined as pressure sensation localized to epigastric and retrosternal area which does not
radiate to back.As the disease become more severe patient complain of regurgitation of
digested food. Dysphagia occur due to mechanical obstruction to food
It is a surgical condition of the Oesophagus which causes impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter muscle in response to swallowing. Patient complain of difficulty in swallowing and regurgitation. Upper GI endoscopy & manometery are diagnostic . Surgical procedure is Laparoscopic Hellers Myotomy.
The incidence of corrosive esophagus injury has decreased. Mostly it is accidental and seen
in children. Suicidal ingestion is seen in adults. It is of two types acid and alkali.
Alkali because of its adhesive property causes esophagus injury.Acid ingestion causes mainly
gastric injury
First-aid management: First step is ABC that is airway breathing circulation maintenance. If
required tracheostomy should be done. Patient should be kept nil per mouth. No attempt
should be done to put a ryles tube. Intravenous fluid should be started, Vitals should be
monitored. No role of upper GI endoscopy at acute corrosive esophagus injury. X-ray Chest
and abdomen should be done to look for pneumo-mediastinum and gas under diaphragam. If the
patient condition remain stable should be allowed liquids one he is able to swallow saliva
comfortably
Role of Upper GI Endoscopy: It is a controversial issue. Some suggest that it should be done
while other does not recommed upper GI endoscopy in acute injury. Upper GI endoscopy helps
in grading the sverity of injury. It does not change the management plan
Role of Surgery: If patient general condition is good, vitals are stable and there is
difficulty in swallowing after 7-10 days of ingestion then feedding jejunostomy can be done
to start nutrition If patient condition deteriorates CECT chest and abdomen should be done
for esophagus and stomach or other organ perforation or necrosis. If present then damage
control surgery should be done. No attempt to restore the bowel continuity should be done at
this critical condition of the patient.
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