New insights in gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal function and gastric emptying in relation to dysphagia before and after anti-reflux surgery in children

Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2013 Oct;15(10):351. doi: 10.1007/s11894-013-0351-3.

Abstract

In children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease refractory to pharmacological therapies, anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) may be a treatment of last resort. The applicability of fundoplication has been hampered by the inability to predict which patient may benefit from surgery and which patient is likely to develop post-operative dysphagia. pH impedance measurement and conventional manometry are unable to predict dysphagia, while the role of gastric emptying remains poorly understood. Recent data suggest that the selection of patients who will benefit from surgery might be enhanced by automated impedance manometry pressure-flow analysis (AIM) analysis, which relates bolus movement and pressure generation within the esophageal lumen.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Deglutition Disorders / etiology*
  • Deglutition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Esophageal pH Monitoring
  • Esophagus / physiopathology*
  • Fundoplication / adverse effects*
  • Gastric Emptying / physiology*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / physiopathology
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Manometry
  • Patient Selection