Biliary Reflux in a Reflux Disorder of the Oesophagus

Overview

This study assesses complications of a combined duodenogastric reflux disorder of the oesophagus. It has been proved that a degree of morphological affections of the mucosa is higher with an alcalic biliary reflux and can be assessed histologicaly. Primarily, the biliary portion of the reflux was assessed. Qualitative reflux parametres were assessed using a spectrophotometric examination. The examination can replace an expensive (and, therefore, generally unavailable) Bilitec 2000 system. In 21 subjects out of the total of 64 oesophageal reflux patients examined in the 2000–2003 period, complications of the disorder were confirmed. The biliary reflux was expected in 9 patients, however, using the spectrophotometry, it was confirmed in 3 patients. In this patient group, a more severe deterioration of the oseophageal mucosa by the alcalic reflux was confirmed, resulting in higher incidences of the disorder complications. The complications included strictures of the oesophagus, developement of a Barret’s oesophagus and an adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus. Therefore, in order to prevent complications in this patient group, surgical management is preferred to conservative therapy.

Key word:
biliary reflux – complications of the disorder – surgical management