Manometric studies of lower esophageal sphincter in extreme obesity.

Esophageal manometry was performed in a group of extremely obese subjects in order to investigate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and its relationship to extreme obesity, weight reduction and altered anatomy of the stomach. Forty subjects were examined before gastric surgery for treatment of their obesity, and 14 of these were reexamined after weight reduction. Normal LES pressure (20 mmHg) was found before operation, and also normal length and position of the LES. No significant changes were found in the group which was examined twice. In persons younger than 50, LES manometric findings do not seem to be influenced by extreme obesity, weight reduction or gastric surgery for obesity.