Does the increasing degree of ascites affect the lower oesophageal sphincter tone in schistosomal patients?

ABSTRACT

The lower esophageal sphincter [LES] pressure was measured in 20 patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and different degrees of ascites and 22 patients with no ascites. No statistically significant difference in LES pressure was detected between the two groups. However, intragastric pressure was significantly higher in the ascitic group [14.3 +/- 3.5 mmHg] than those with no ascites [6.68 +/- 2.3 mmHg] and tends to increase with increasing degree of ascites. In the ascitic group, no statistically significant differences in the LES pressure could be detected between patients having mild, moderate or tense ascites. There was no reflex increase in LES pressure with the presence of ascites or its increasing degree. The prevention of gastro-esophageal reflux in these patients was probably due to the mechanical effect of increased intraabdominal pressure on the abdominal esophagus