Study of belching ability in antireflux surgery patients and normal volunteers

Abstract

The ability to belch was evaluated by a novel test, after gaseous stomach distension to standard volume, in 16 patients after antireflux surgery and nine healthy volunteers. A structured assessment of dyspeptic symptoms was also carried out in both groups. Repeat studies in volunteers showed acceptable reproducibility for the new test of belching capacity (within-subject coefficient of variance 4·5 per cent). After antireflux surgery, patients had lower volume individual belches (median(range) 27·5(0–104) ml in patients versus 76(15–165) ml in volunteers; P < 0·02) and belched less gas within 1 h of the stimulus than volunteers (median(range) 205(0–1363) ml in patients versus 456(45–818) ml in volunteers; P < 0·05). Belching frequency was similar in both groups. The incidence and severity of symptoms were unrelated to belched gas volumes.