Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility in patients with esophageal varies.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal motility were evaluated in patients with esophageal varices (EV). This study comprised 35 patients with EV, 18 patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) and 12 healthy volunteers. EV were classified according to the F factor by the Endoscopic Classification of EV of the Japanese Research Society for Portal Hypertension. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function in the F3 group was significantly decreased and similar to that in the RE group. The amplitude of primary peristalsis at the site of F2 or F3 EV was significantly decreased. Acid clearance was significantly delayed in the F2 and F3 groups compared to that in the healthy subjects. GER was suppressed by the presence of F3 EV and was significantly decreased in this group compared to that in the healthy subjects. An antireflux barrier is concluded to be maintained in patients with F3 EV.