Study of belching ability in antireflux surgery patients and normal volunteers.
The ability to belch was evaluated by a novel test, after gaseous stomach distension to standard volume, in 16 patients after antireflux surgery and nine healthy volunteers. A structured assessment of dyspeptic symptoms was also carried out in both groups. Repeat studies in volunteers showed acceptable reproducibility for the new test of belching capacity (within-subject coefficient of variance 4.5 per cent). After antireflux surgery, patients had lower volume individual belches (median(range) 27.5(0-104) ml in patients versus 76(15-165) ml in volunteers; P less than 0.02) and belched less gas within 1 h of the stimulus than volunteers (median(range) 205(0-1363) ml in patients versus 456(45-818) ml in volunteers; P less than 0.05). Belching frequency was similar in both groups. The incidence and severity of symptoms were unrelated to belched gas volumes.
Smith
D
D
Department of Surgery and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
King
N A
NA
Waldron
B
B
Cullen
P T
PT
Millar
B
B
Fenwick
M
M
Campbell
F C
FC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000503:physiopathology; D004884:Eructation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D002245:Carbon Dioxide