BACKGROUND: A new endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) technique performed transorally using the EsophyXtrade mark device was evaluated for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a prospective, feasibility clinical trial. METHODS: Nineteen patients were enrolled into the study. Inclusion criteria were chronic and symptomatic GERD, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence, and the absence of esophageal… Read more »
White wine and beer induce gastro-esophageal reflux in patients with reflux disease
BACKGROUND: An induction of gastro-oesophageal reflux has been reported after ingestion of alcoholic beverages in healthy volunteers. However, it is unknown whether reflux in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease patients will be enhanced by the ingestion of alcoholic beverages. AIM: To investigate the effects of wine and beer on postprandial reflux in reflux patients. METHODS: Twenty-five patients… Read more »
Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach
Lifestyle modifications are first-line therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We applied an evidence-based approach to determine the efficacy of lifestyle measures for GERD management. We used PubMed and Ovid to perform a search of the literature published between 1975 and 2004 using the key words heartburn, GERD, smoking, alcohol, obesity, weight loss,… Read more »
The immediate effects of cessation of cigarette smoking on gastroesophageal reflux
Cigarette smoking is thought to adversely affect gastroesophageal reflux. Eight male patients with endoscopic evidence of gastroesophageal reflux had 24-h esophageal pH monitoring while smoking at least 20 cigarettes. This was repeated while abstaining from smoking the following day. In the initial study period, 28.3% of the reflux time occurred within 20 min of smoking… Read more »
Evaluation of elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets on gastroesophageal reflux
To ascertain how elevation of the head of the bed, bethanechol, and antacid foam tablets affect gastroesophageal reflux, we used prolonged intraesophageal pH monitoring in 55 symptomatic patients. Acid exposure was separated into reflux frequency and esophageal acid clearance time and recorded during the day in the upright posture and recumbent at night. Values before… Read more »