[Evaluation of complaints and diagnostic methods, considered to be objective, in gastroesophageal reflux]

Abstract

Authors analyse complaints of 166 patients suffering in gastroesophageal reflux disease, and results of different objective diagnostic methods (X-ray swallowing, endoscopy, 24 hour pH-monitoring, esophageal manometry). The degree of severity of typical complaints and changes found by diagnostic procedures were scored. Individual diagnostic proceduresindicated the characteristic changes of gastroesophageal reflux with great deviations. Hiatal hernia identified by x-ray, esophagitis observed by endoscopy, abnormal reflux revealed by pH-metry together occurred only at 36% of patients. Significant correlation could be revealed only between the degree of changes found by x-ray or pH-metry--applying them one by one--and the complaints of the patients, but with the combination of four diagnostic methods a tight, positive correlation could be demonstrated with the severity of the complaints of the patients in every case. Applying of diagnostic methods as much as possible completing each others, with consideration to the complaints of the patients is suggested for having the diagnosis been precise of the gastroesophageal reflux disease, and for measuring of efficacy of treatment. The importance of tight collaboration of internist, radiologist and surgeon and the significance of complex examination is underlined.