CONSTANT INTRAESOPHAGEAL ANTACID DRIP AS A METHOD OF TREATMENT OF REFLUX ESOPHAGITIS.

Fifteen cases of intractable chronic esophagitis due to gastroesophageal reflux were treated with a continuous intraesophageal antacid drip. A proprietary antacid preparation, Gelusil or monalium hydrate (Riopan), in a concentration of one part of antacid to nine parts of water, was infused into the mid-esophagus through a polyethylene tube with an internal diameter which admits a No. 18 blunted needle. Patients are not confined to bed while the drip is in progress. If the flow is constant and the end of the tube is below the cricopharyngeal sphincter, patients do not experience discomfort even if the drip is administered continuously for several days.Results indicate that remission of symptoms can be achieved in almost every patient, even those who have previously failed to respond to oral antacid therapy.