Oesophageal reflux and gastric secretion.

In the study to be described confirmation of the findings of Giles, Clark, and Buchan (1968) that the presence of acid in the lower oesophagus may stimulate gastric secretion has been sought. Also the influence of hiatal repair on the response to acid has been examined. The presence of acid in the lower oesophagus stimulates gastric secretion in man. The response to acid perfusion is greater in symptomatic hiatus hernia patients than in controls. Basal and perfusion outputs are lower in hiatus hernia patients with oesophagitis than in those without inflammatory change. Hiatal repair diminishes the gastric response in both groups; this effect is particularly marked in patients with oesophagitis.