Histopathological and endoscopic study of GERD patients

Abstract

The Gastro esophageal reflux is a normal physiologic phenomenon experienced intermittently by most people, particularly after a meal. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the amount of gastric juice that refluxes into the esophagus exceeds the normal limit, causing symptoms with or without associated esophageal mucosal injury. From the endoscopically diagnosed GERD patients Four quadrant biopsies were taken 2 cm from the GE junction and not more than 2 cm apart from each other. Then Chromoendoscopy was performed by spraying 0.4% solution of the indigo carmine through a catheter and the patterns formed was documented through a higher resolution endoscope as a rigged/villous circular, irregular/distorted pattern and biopsies were taken from these places. Our study shows that the yield of chromoendoscopy (indigo carmine) and its directed biopsy was far superior to the conventional endoscopy and four quadrant biopsy. In appropriate clinical setting, chromoendoscopy can be used as a diagnostic technique for diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus.