Diagnose of Reflux Disease: Utility of Unsedated Transnasal Esophago-gastroscopy compared to Dual-Probe-pH-Monitoring

Introduction Acid reflux can effect the upper aerodigestive tract causing various pathological conditions in the ENT region. The dual-probe-pH-monitoring ist considered to be a gold standard diagnostic tool and valuable asset making possible to distinguish gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) from laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of the unsedated transnasal esophago-gastroscopy (TNE) compared to dual-probe-pH-monitoring.

Methods 30 patients with symptoms related to a reflux were enrolled in the study. All patients received 24-hour-dual-probe-pH-monitoring. Thereafter all patients underwent the unsedated transnasal esophago-gastroscopy and reflux-related findings were assessed. The diagnostic value of this endocopy was evaluated.

Results The dual-probe-pH-monitoring showed 24 patients with acid reflux. 19/24 patients were identified with GERD and LPR and 3/24 cases only with GERD. 2/24 patients had positive LPR without pathological reflux at the esophageal probe. 24 patients with positiv reflux that underwent TNE had pathological findings in 11 cases(<50% of patients). One pathological endoscopic finding was seen in the group of reflux negativ patients (6).

Conlusion Based on the interpretated data we can conclude that the main value of the TNE is to identify the cause of reflux or its potential complications and should be used as a secondary diagnostic tool.

Poster-PDF A-1410.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020