12/09/2026
Hill classification of the gastroesophageal flap valve
The Hill classification is an endoscopic classification of the gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) seen on retroflexion.
It helps assess the integrity of the anti-reflux barrier and is particularly useful in GERD/hiatus hernia assessment..
Grade I – Normal
Prominent, well-defined gastric fold.
It tightly grips the endoscope.
The valve closes around the scope with respiration.
Grade II – Mildly abnormal
The fold is less prominent.
It opens intermittently with respiration.
Still provides a relatively good flap-valve mechanism.
Grade III –
Abnormal
The fold is barely present or poorly defined.
The gastroesophageal junction remains relatively open around the endoscope.
Often associated with hiatal hernia and GERD.
Grade IV – Severely abnormal
No effective flap valve.
The GE junction is widely open.
The squamous epithelium may be visible from the stomach in retroflexion.
Usually associated with significant hiatal hernia/reflux.
Practical endoscopy pearl
Hill I–II → generally competent valve
Hill III–IV → incompetent anti-reflux barrier, and you should actively assess for hiatal hernia, erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus.
Important: Hill grade is not the same as the Los Angeles (LA) classification, which grades erosive esophagitis. They complement each other in a GERD examination.