31.   The abdominal portion of the lower oesophageal sphincter was significantly longer in controls compared with all patients.

32.   The location of the lower oesophageal sphincter detected by manometry and the location of the squamous columnar mucosal junction seen by endoscopy are shown in Table III.

33.   No significant differences in the location of the distal limit of the lower oesophageal sphincter were shown in any group.

34.   The distances between the idstal or proximal end of the lower oesophageal sphincter and the mucosal junction are observed in Table IV.

35.   In controls the mucosal junction is located in the midportion of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

36.   We also calculated the percentage of cases with absence of lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and the percentage of cases with absence of the abdominal portion of lower oesophageal sphincter.

37.   The lower oesophageal sphincter, however, remains in a similar location independent of the oesophageal damage.

38.   The abdominal portion of the lower oesophageal sphincter is shorter in patients with more severe oesophagitis.

39.   The prolonged oesophageal acid exposure seen in patients with hiatus hernia is because of reduced acid clearance but it is only seen in patients with lower oesophageal sphincter deficiency.

40.   Smoking and alcohol may promote the reflux inflammation lower oesophageal sphincter dysfunction cycle in those without a hiatus hernia.