[Physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of esophageal reflux]

The important nervous and hormonal regulation mechanisms which play a role in the prevention of esophageal reflux are discussed. By manometry of the inferior esophageal sphincter, esophageal pH-metry and acid clearance it is possible to demonstrate disturbance of the continency function in most patients with reflux esophagitis. The value of these methods is compared with other conventional methods in 40 patients. The medical means of restoring esophageal continency are reviewed.