2: GORD, Barrats Oesophagus, Oesophageal Carcinoma, Achalasia, Plummer-Vinson Flashcards
Define gastroesophageal reflux
reflux of gastric acid from the stomach into the oesophagus
Define GORD
when reflux of gastric acid into the oesophagus causes symptoms
How does the incidence of GORD change with age
increases with age
In which gender is GORD more common
males (2:1)
What are the four mechanisms contributing to GORD
- Reduced LOS tone
- Gastric acid hypersecretion
- Dysmotility
- Delayed gastric emptying
What factors increasing intra-abdominal pressure may contribute to GORD
Obesity
Pregnancy
What factors lowering oesophageal sphincter tone may contribute to GORD
Alcohol
Caffeine
Smoking
Medications: TCA, anticholinergics
What are two other factors that are thought to contribute to GORD
- Stress
- Hiatus hernia
Give 5 symptoms of GORD
- Retrosternal chest pain worse following meals and on lying down
- Water-brashing
- Odynophagia
- Belching
- Nocturnal cough
- Asthma
In investigating for GORD: if an individual is over 55 or has ALARM symptoms what should be done
- Upper GI endoscopy
What are the ALARMS symptoms
Anaemia Loss of weight Anorexia Recent change in Sx Melena/haematemesis Swallowing difficultly
Over what age with GORD are patients offered an upper GI endoscopy immediately
55 years
If patients are not over 55 and have no ALARMS symptoms how should they be immediately managed
- Lifestyle Changes
- Medication review
- OTC Antacids
- Review in 4W
What antacids are offered
Magnesium Tricillate
If individuals improve on: medication review, lifestyle changes, OTC antacid what is the next step
No further intervention
If individuals do not improve on: medication review, lifestyle changes, OTC antacid what is the next step
Test for H.Pylori
If H.pylori test is negative what is offered
Trial or H2 antagonist (ranitidine) or PPIs for 4W
If individuals do not improve on ranitidine or H2 blocker what is done
Continue on low-dose treatment and offer upper GI endoscopy
If individuals test positive for H.pylori what should be done
H.pylori treatment and review in 4W
After 4W of H.pylori treatment what is performed to check it is eradicated
Urea breath test
What is the gold-standard investigation for GORD
24h pH monitoring
When is 24h pH monitoring for GORD indicated
considering surgical intervention
What is 24h pH monitoring often performed with and why
oesophageal manometry to exclude oesophageal dysmotility
What are 5 pieces of lifestyle advice for someone with GORD
- Weight Loss
- Smoking Cessation
- Small regular meals
- Reduce alcohol
- Reduce hot drinks
- Reduce citrus, tomatoes, fizzy drinks, spicy food, caffeine
- Avoid over-eating 3h before bed
What is first-line medical therapy for someone with GORD
Antacids - magnesium trisillicate. Alginates - gaviscon
What are there 3 indications for surgical management of GORD
- Poor response to medical therapy
- Complication of GORD
- Patient request - does not want to take long-term meds
What is the main surgical method for managing GORD
Fundoplication
What is Nissen’s fundoplication
The fundus of the stomach is wrapped around the LOS posteriorly 360’
If GORD is prolonged what 4 complications may it lead to
- Oesophagitis
- Barret’s oesophagus
- Oesophageal stricture
- Anaemia
What is the most serious risk associated with GORD
Metaplasia-dysplasia sequence
Explain metaplasia-dysplasia sequence of GORD
- Chronic inflammation of the oesophagus can cause metaplasia of oesophageal squamous epithelium to columnar epithelium. This is called Barret’s oesophagus
- 0.1-0.4% of Barrett’s oesophagus transforms to oesophageal carcinoma
What is Barret’s oesophagus
Metaplasia of squamous epithelium in the oesophagus to simple columnar epithelium
What causes barrett’s oesophagus
Chronic GORD
Which gender is Barrett’s oesophagus more common
Male (7:1)
Which ethnicity is Barrett’s more common
Caucascian