Esophagus 1 Flashcards
What is the course of the esophagus?
starts at C6
passes the hiatal opening at T10
reaches stomach at T11
What are the 3 points of constriction in the esophagus?
- at the start behind the cricoid cartilage
- where its crossed by the aortic arch in front & the left main bronchus in the posterior mediastinum
- esophageal hiatus
dysfunction of which sphincter causes GERD?
lower esophageal sphincter (physiological)
What is the anti-reflux mechanism of the lower esophageal sphincter?
- angle of Hiss
- higher pressure intra abdominally
- rosette arrangement of gastric folds present at cardia
- pinchock effect of the right crus of the diaphragm
- continuous release of acetylcholine
What is the cause of the spread of malignancy from lower to upper part of the esophagus?
bidirectional flow of lymph
What is the lining of the esophagus?
stratified squamous epithelium NON KERATINIZED
EXCEPT LOS turns into simple columnar
What is the musculature of the esophagus composed of?
Upper 1/3 = striated muscles
middle 1/3 = mixed
lower 1/3 = smooth muscles
What induces the relaxation of the LOS?
peristalsis pushing the food towards it
What are the causes of GERD?
- sliding hiatus hernia (MOST COMMON)
- physiological in < 2 years
- obesity
- smoking
- alcohol
- scleroderma
- delayed gastric emptying
What are the complications of GERD?
- deep ulceration
- bleeding
- stricture
- esophageal shortening
- Barret’s esophagus (columnar metaplasia)
How does GERD present?
- heart burn (retrosternal, simulates angina, increased by fatty meals & lying flat)
- dysphagia ( due to esophageal stricture or spam)
- regurgitation (increased by laying flat)
- recurrent chest infections
- hematemesis & anemia
What is the most diagnostic investigation for GERD?
24hrs ambulatory PH monitoring
What are the investigations used for GERD?
BARIUM MEAL -> hiatus hernia diagnosis in Trendelenburg position
UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY -> demonstrates presence of complications & guides biopsy
ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY -> assess pressure of LOS
24HR AMBULATORY PH -> pH <4 in distal 5cm for > 30mins
What are the grades in Belsy Classification?
I -> hyperemic mucosa
II -> superficial ulceration
III -> extensive ulceration
IV -> stricture or Barret’s
What is the main line of treatment in GERD?
CONSERVATIVE
- change lifestyle (reduce weight, stop smoking, small meals)
- medical treatment
- decrease gastric acidity: H2 blockers, antacids, PPI
- regulate motility: metoclopramide, cisapride
What are the indications for surgical intervention in GERD?
- failure of conservative for 6 months
- presence of complications
- Saint’s triad (hiatal hernia, chronic cholecystitis, diverticular disease)
- non complaint patient
What surgical procedure is used in GERD?
Nissen’s Fundoplication
- wrapping fundus around the lower esophagus
What causes Barret’s esophagus?
response to chronic irritation -> columnar metaplasia -> can progress to dysplasia & malignant transformation