Pre- and Post-Therapy Evaluation of Air-Associated Symptoms in Patients With Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Assessing the Role of Speech and Language Therapy (LAS)

June 8, 2026 updated by: Prof Urs Zingg
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may present with concomitant gas-related symptom (GRS) such as supragastric or gastric belching, and aerophagia. Identifying these patients is crucial, as their therapeutic pathway differs substantially from that of patients with "pure" reflux disease. Proceeding directly to antireflux surgery in the presence of untreated air-associated symptoms can lead to catastrophic postoperative outcomes. These partly behavioral disorders can often be effectively managed through targeted speech therapy. Following successful therapy, patients may either experience complete resolution of their symptoms or become suitable candidates for surgical treatment of GERD. As of today, there is very scarce literature on this subject.

Study Overview

Status

Enrolling by invitation

Conditions

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

100

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Switzerland
    • Canton of Zurich
      • Schlieren, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, 8952
        • Spital Limmattal

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The retrospective patients are identified through the upper gastrointestinal surgery data base of our institution. All patients who meet the inclusion criteria by having received the intervention which is subject to be studied will be contacted and recruited for the study. There is no participant payment or compensation for enrolment in the study.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age 18 years and older
  • Initial presentation at our reflux center with reflux symptoms, with or without concomitant air-related symptoms such as belching, bloating, or abdominal distension
  • Confirmed air-related pathology based on characteristic clinical findings and/or diagnostic evidence from impedance, manometry, or videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS)
  • Verbal informed consent as documented by the investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Age under 18 years
  • Pregnancy
  • Exclusion of GERD
  • Preoperative presence of a hiatal hernia with migration of >20% of stomach in the chest
  • Revisional surgery (after other procedures for reflux or at the hiatus)

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Comparison of air-associated symptoms and their impact on daily life before and after targeted speech and language therapy in patients with GERD, assessed using a specifically developed patient questionnaire.
Time Frame: From start of speech therapy until interview: - Speech therapy was started earliest in January 2023, latest around January 2026. - Interviews are taking place starting in April 2026 until all have been performed, end is anticipated in fall 2026.
Comparison of air-associated symptoms and their impact on daily life before and after targeted speech and language therapy in patients with GERD.
From start of speech therapy until interview: - Speech therapy was started earliest in January 2023, latest around January 2026. - Interviews are taking place starting in April 2026 until all have been performed, end is anticipated in fall 2026.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Prof Urs Zingg

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Urs Zingg, Prof. Dr. med-, Spital Limmattal Schlieren

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

April 21, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 5, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 9, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 11, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 8, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 2025-02635

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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