Study of gastroesophageal reflux by determination of endoesophageal pH using the Heidelberg telemetering capsule.

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was determined by recording the endoesophageal pH using the Heidelberg telemetering capsule in 60 patients with various esogastroduodenal diseases. Gastroesophageal reflux was found present in 29 patients (48.3%). The nature (acid in 27 cases, alkaline in 2 cases) as well as the degree of reflux (score 1-6.5) could also be determined by this method. Radiologically reflux could only be detected in 12 out of the 29 patients (41.6%) of whom 9 with hiatal hernia. Only 62% of the GER cases were symptomatic, this being in agreement with the high scores and with the presence of esophagitis confirmed histologically. In chronic ethanol consumers (24 cases) the incidence of GER was increased (70.8%) suggesting the role of alcohol in the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. In conclusion this method proved useful for the detection and quantification of GER.