Authors' recommendations: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a disorder caused by incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), which allows gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus. Patients with GERD may experience heartburn and regurgitation. Over time, the distal esophagus can develop mucosal abnormalities related to acid exposure such as Barrett's esophagus, which can transform into adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. GERD is common in the developed world, affecting at least 10% of adults. The first-line treatment for reflux is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to reduce stomach acid levels. Lifelong treatment is required, because medication only alters the pH of the refluxed contents and has no impact on the reflux mechanism. For the up to 40% of patients with an inadequate response to PPIs, antireflux surgery is available. Current care is the Nissen fundoplication, which may be performed laparoscopically. However, the procedure is commonly limited to patients with complicated problems such as hiatal hernia or Barrett's esophagus due to the complexity of the surgery, and its side effects, some of which are serious or irreversible. Alternatives to surgical therapy are emerging.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from: http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=17076

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2014 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc