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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux or esophageal reflux is the return of the stomach's contents back into the esophagus. In normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Reflux occurs when the LES (valve) weakens and does not close.

GERD can lead to esophagitis, erosive esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and a hiatal hernia. A paraoesophageal hiatal hernia can lead to GERD.

Symptoms of GERD or Reflux

  • Heartburn
  • Regurgitation
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing and/or sore throat
  • Throat clearing
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

When medications for GERD such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are not controlling symptoms, or if you are looking for an alternative to medications, surgery may be an option.

Common Diagnostic Tests for GERD

  • Ambulatory pH Monitoring
  • Barium Esophagram
  • Esophageal Manometry
  • Upper Endoscopy

Surgical Treatment Options for GERD

  • Fundoplication
  • Heller Myotomy
  • Hiatal Hernia Repair]
  • LINX Procedure

  • Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)

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