Charles J. Lightdale, MD, Consulting Editor It has become increasingly evident that American gastroenterologists have become overly dependent on random biopsies whether in the esophagus, stomach, or colon. Times have…
Manometry and impedance provide only surrogate information regarding longitudinal wall function and are focused on contractile amplitude and lumen content. Ultrasound imaging provides a unique perspective of esophageal function by…
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequently diagnosed by symptoms and good response to acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors. Further work up is required when the diagnosis of GERD is…
Esophageal function testing should be used for differential diagnosis of dysphagia. Dysphagia can be the consequence of hypermotility or hypomotility of the muscles of the esophagus. Decreased esophageal or esophagogastric…
Rumination is a phenomenon characterized by retrograde flow of gastric contents into the mouth, otherwise known as regurgitation. Repetitive excessive occurrence of rumination is considered pathologic and is known as…
Dramatic progress has been made over the past decade in the sophistication and availability of equipment to test esophageal motility and sensation. High-resolution esophageal manometry and impedance have moved from…
The mechanical properties of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) are of major importance for the competence of the EGJ. Although manometry reliably measures sphincter pressure, no information is provided on distensibility,…
The function of the esophagus is transporting nutrients from the oropharyngeal cavity to the stomach. This is achieved by coordinated contractions and relaxation of the tubular esophagus and the upper…
The development and advancement of ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring has provided a key tool with which pathologic esophageal acid exposure can be objectively measured; although not perfect, it provides the…
Barium esophagography, although an old test, remains important to the understanding of esophageal physiology and diagnosis of esophageal disorders. It provides additive and/or confirmatory information to endoscopy and is the…
