[Impact of esophageal manometry before antireflux surgery].

BACKGROUND: Esophageal hypomotility is frequent in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

AIMS: To precise the frequency and the patterns of esophageal manometric abnormalities in GERD patients referred before antireflux surgery, to determine the frequency of post-operative dysphagia and to look for associated factors with high risk of dysphagia, with special interest on pre-operative esophageal manometric study.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study based on patients having anti-reflux surgery and pre-operative esophageal manometry. Post-operative dysphagia was prospectively assessed during the follow-up.

RESULTS: We studied 33 patients (mean age: 46 years; sex-ratio: 0.4). Pre-operative esophageal manometry was abnormal in 1/3 of cases, with a high prevalence of non specific motor disorders and hypomotility. Nor epidemiological, clinical or pHmetric factor was associated with the risk of motor esophageal abnormalities. Postoperative dysphagia was noted in 21% of the cases, with any correlation with results of pre-operative manometry.

CONCLUSION: Esophageal hypomotility is frequent in patients with GERD; and not associated with a higher risk of post-operative dysphagia after anti-reflux surgery.