IMPLICATIONS OF UPRIGHT GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX

The presentation, oesophageal profile and management of 27 symptomatic patients with daytime (upright) gastrooesophageal reflux only is repo rted. Oesophagitis was a presenting feature in 11 patients and its dev elopment was most closely correlated with postprandial reflux, which w as characterized by cumulative acid exposure rather than by clearance abnormalities. Upright reflux was not associated with a hypotensive lo wer oesophageal sphincter or with oesophageal dysmotility. Antireflux surgery is indicated when conservative measures fail and was not assoc iated with gas-bloat syndrome after operation.