Surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common upper gastrointestinal diseases that affects 10% to 20% of the general population worldwide. Current Concepts: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the main treatment for this disease, is used to control symptoms. In most cases, PPI is prescribed empirically, and may be ineffective in 30% to 40% of patients. Even in cases with a precise diagnosis of GERD following objective tests, PPI becomes less effective as the disease progresses over a long time period. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery can be a good option when PPI therapy becomes ineffective and dose increases are required. This surgery effectively abolishes all kinds of reflux by constructing a mechanical anti-reflux valve at the gastroesophageal junction. Before surgery, a precise diagnosis should be made following several objective tests, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy, pH monitoring, manometry, and esophagram. The degree of fundoplication should be tailored according to esophageal motility and disease severity. Discussion and Conclusion: Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery may be particularly effective for GERD patients with hiatal hernia, mechanically defective lower esophageal sphincter, or weak acidic/nonacidic reflux.