Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease Flashcards
What is the oesophageal hiatus?
Oval apeture in right crus of diaphragm at T10
What structures pass through the oesophageal hiatus?
Oesophagus
Vagal nerve trunks
Oesophageal branches of L. gastric vessels/lymphatics
What is a hiatus herniae?
Herniae allowing part of the stomach into the thoracic cavity
How do hiatus herniae typically present?
Asymptomatic
Occasionally reflux causing pain
What are the two anatomical types of hiatus herniae?
Sliding hiatus herniae
Para-oesophageal herniae (rolling)
Describe the anatomical change in a sliding hiatus herniae
Gastro-oesophageal junction slides through hiatus to lie above diaphragm
Describe the anatomical change in a para-oesophageal hiatus herniae
Fundus rolls up through herniae alongside oesophagus but sphincter remains competent below diaphragm
What are the anatomical risk factors for gastro-oesophageal disease?
Hiatus hernia
What are the lifestyle risk factors for gastro-oesophageal disease?
Raised IAP Large meals/late at night Smoking High caffeine intake High fatty food intake Drugs (anticholinergic, nitrates, tricyclics, CCBs)
How do sliding hiatus herniae present?
30% of adults >50
Typically insignificant
Sx may occur due to associated reflux
How do para-oesophageal herniae present?
Asymptomatic/Reflux OR
Severe pain/obstruction
Gastric volvulus/strangulus (requires surgical intervention)
What is Dyspepsia?
Chronic upper abdominal pain/discomfort
What are the subtypes of dyspepsia?
Reflux (heartburn/regurgitation eg. GORD)
Ulcer (epigastric pain)
Dysmotility (bloating/nausea)
When do sx of GORD occur?
When there is prolonged contact of gastric contents w/ oesophageal mucosa –> oesophagitis
What are the common features of GORD?
Dyspepsia Regurgitation of food/acid Waterbrash Odynophagia Atypical chest pain