Evaluation of esophageal function in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease using transnasal endoscopy

To investigate the utility of a new method of carrying out esophageal manometry using a narrow gauge manometry catheter via a transnasal endoscope.

The Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (FSSG), a GERD-specific questionnaire, was given to 45 subjects. Subjects underwent transnasal endoscopy with three dry and three wet (3 mL water) swallows. Direct observations of the primary peristaltic wave and peristaltic pressure measurement were conducted simultaneously.

Endoscopic observation of lower esophageal motility associated with swallowing revealed dilatation of the esophageal lumen after swallowing, followed by contraction in association with the primary peristaltic wave. The peristaltic pressure was significantly lower with increased FSSG scores for dry swallows (r = -0.347, P = 0.0212), but no significant correlation was seen for wet swallows.

The significant negative correlation between reflux symptoms and peristaltic pressure in dry swallows was thought to be that reduced pressure immediately rostral to the lower esophageal sphincter leads to decreased clearance following gastric acid reflux, playing a large part in the onset of symptoms.