Oesophageal intraluminal impedance can identify subtle bolus transit abnormalities in patients with mild oesophagitis

Abstract

In a subgroup of patients with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or mild oesophagitis, acid clearance is prolonged in spite of favourable gravity and normal or minimally impaired oesophageal peristalsis. Dysphagia is rare in this group but might also be present or develop after anti-reflux surgery. The causal relationship between prolonged clearance or dysphagia and oesophageal body dysmotility in these patients is not completely clear. New techniques are now available to assess oesophageal motility and transit and might help to detect more subtle defects underlying functional impairment in patients with GORD. Combined video-fluoroscopy and intraluminal impedance indicate an excellent correlation between both methods in detecting oesophageal bolus transit. Combined intraluminal impedance and manometry has the capability to evaluate oesophageal contractions and bolus transit without the use of radiation. Subtle bolus transit abnormalities were identified in a small proportion of patients with mild oesophagits and normal oesophageal peristalsis. Outcome data are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of combined manometry-impedance in patients with GORD undergoing anti-reflux surgery.