[Esophageal function in portal hypertension before and after sclerotherapy].

An examination of esophageal function using manometric techniques and long-term pH measurement was carried out on 14 patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver who had esophageal varices. The resting pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter was found to be slightly reduced in 50 per cent of those examined, while 100 per cent showed a slightly reduced contraction amplitude in the distal tubular esophagus which became progressively lower in the distal direction, and a pathological gastro-esophageal reflux was observed in 57 per cent. We were able to carry out a control examination on 10 of these patients after sclerosing procedure.

[Esophageal function in duodenal ulcer].

We examined 21 patients with duodenal ulcer confirmed by endoscopy for disturbances of esophageal function, using manometric techniques and long-term pH measurement. Pathological manometric findings, largely of a mild degree, were obtained in 48 per cent of the patients examined, and a pathological gastro-esophageal reflux was found in 81 per cent, with only 33 per cent suffering from reflux esophagitis as confirmed by endoscopy and/or histological examination. Although duodenal ulcer and disturbed esophageal function often appear simultaneously, a causal connection seems unlikely.