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Re: bile reflux

From: S. Carvajal, M.D.
Date: 05/15/00
Time: 23:39:15

Comments

Bile reflux can occur in any person who has reflux disease. In fact, bile and pancreatic reflux may be more important than acid in causing mutations in the esophagus leading to cancer. Bile and pancreatic reflux tends to cause less symptoms than acid reflux. Medications only decrease acid production and therefore do not stop reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. If the gastric contents contain bile or pancreatic juice, this will be refluxed as well. A fundoplication stops reflux of gastric contents independent of what is in the stomach. Bile reflux may be an important reason why certain GERD patients do not respond to anti-acid medications. Bile reflux is not a cause of recurrent symptoms following funoplication. If a fundoplication fails, all gastric contents will reflux. There is an experimental cathether that can detect bile. We will likely have 24 hour bile tests in the future.

Last changed: January 12, 2008