ABSTRACT

Reflux of gastrointestinal contents into the esophagus is a very common phenomenon in the general population. It is seen in all age groups, but most cases presenting for surgery are between the ages of 30 and 60 years (1), males twice as frequent as females. Whereas most episodes of reflux are without symptoms, it has been estimated that 44% of the U.S. population have symptoms of heartburn at least once a month and up to 13%, every day (2). A state of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is said to exist when reflux causes regular symptoms, e.g., twice a week or more (3). Apart from heartburn, the symptoms may be dysphagia, regurgitation, globus sensation, and nausea. Extraesophageal symptoms may also occur, usually as a result of regurgitation into the pharynx, upper airways, or lungs. These include coughing, hiccups, sore throat, hoarseness, and more severe conditions, such as asthma, recurrent pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, or sinusitis (4). The pulmonary complications may evolve to serious conditions, especially in children with genetic disorders of esophageal valve function and reduced upper airways reflexes (5).