Problematik im Diagnose- und Therapiemanagement der gastroesophagealen Refluxkrankheit / Arterioskleroseforschung

Reflux disease is caused when gastro-duodenal content refulxates into the esophagus. It is estimated that approximately 20% have chronic reflux and about 50% of these patients can develop severe complications such as strictures or esophageal cancer. The department of surgery and gastroenterology together with pathologists form Mayo Clinic Jacksonville is involved with different research projects. These include trails for improved diagnostic work-up of reflux patients in regard of the therapeutical management of patients with reflux complications particularly in stricture cases, Barrett`s mucosa and early diagnosis of esophageal cancer. This is provide by both clinical and laboratory research. The protocols for a second year research program would include clinical trails to determine more simple and accurate diagnosis in patients suffering from reflux disease and further long-term follow-up studies of structure patients and patients after antireflux surgery. Second there are protocols for evaluation of cell proteins and potential chromosome changes in regard ofgenetic screening later on in patients suffering from Barrett`s mucosa or esophageal cancer. The time schedule for most of these projects will end with July 1998.