Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

How is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treated?

Medications

Treatment for GERD is usually effective with medications. Once the acidity of the refluxate is reduced, there usually is good improvement, and with addition of prokinetic medication, most patients will manage with few breakthrough episodes.

Surgery

Surgery is considered for those who remain symptomatic even with medications and lifestyle changes, or patients who cannot tolerate the medications. 

The principles behind surgery for GERD are:

• To maintain an intra-abdominal position for the lower oesophagus
  
• To recreate a sphincter-like wrap at the upper part of stomach to function like a valve (fundoplication)
  

The operation may be performed either in open procedure or laparoscopically.

The investigations and treatment of various causes for GERD require time with the doctor for detailed and continued clinical evaluation. Findings on various procedures or imaging require careful correlation with symptoms and well-being. Often the benign causes are effectively treated with standard and uncomplicated treatments.