Objective:

To evaluate the post-swallow hypertensive response of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated at the Digestive Motility and Neurogastroenterology Unit of Hospital de Clínicas Caracas between October 2023 and October 2024.

Methods:

A descriptive, analytical, prospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Pressure and duration of the post-swallow hypertensive response were measured as reference values in a control group and in GERD patients. High-resolution esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring were performed. GERD patients were classified into two groups according to whether their post-swallow hypertensive response was above or below the reference median, and manometric and pH monitoring variables were compared.

Results:

In 44 controls, the median post-swallow hypertensive response was 81.5 mmHg. In 44 GERD patients (50% male, mean age 49.9 years, range 18-81), the median was 66 mmHg (p=0.001). Comparison between groups A and B showed significant differences in basal pressure, length, and duration of the LES post-swallow hypertensive response.

Conclusion:

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have less vigor and shorter duration of the post-swallow lower esophageal sphincter hypertensive response.