title: Oesophageal function in cirrhotic patients undergoing injection sclerotherapy for oesophageal varices.
abstract: Oesophageal function has been studied in three groups of cirrhotic patients: those without varices, those with varices and those with varices treated by injection sclerotherapy. Using the Honeywell Model 31 oesophageal motility probe and the Ingold combined stomach pH electrode, measurements were made of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and length, swallowing responses, reflux and clearance of acid. The presence of varices was associated with an increase in LES length and reduced lower oesophageal contraction pressure during swallowing and some failure of sphincter relaxation during swallowing. Sclerotherapy was associated with a reduction in the maximum LES pressure both at rest and during swallowing, and an impairment of acid clearance, but postural reflux of acid was not observed in any patient.
mesh_terms: D003679:Deglutition; D004932:Esophageal and Gastric Varices / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction / Q000503:physiopathology; D004947:Esophagus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005769:Gastrointestinal Motility; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008104:Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011312:Pressure; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012597:Sclerosing Solutions