Two new treatments for GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus, often causing a feeling of heartburn.

GERD is generally treated first with medication, such as proton pump inhibitors. However, compliance is a problem over the long-term. And, GERD returns in over 80% of cases when medication is discontinued.[3]

Lapaproscopic fundoplication, a surgical procedure, is used to treat GERD. In this procedure, doctors take the top of the stomach and wrap it around the lower part of the esophagus to create a barrier for acid reflux.

Now, two nonsurgical procedures are available to relieve many symptoms of acid reflux disease. [1] Both are done using an endoscope. Endoscope is a long flexible instrument inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus. One procedure called full-thickness plication uses the endoscope to tighten the junction between the esophagus and the stomach with sutures. The other, called radiofrequency therapy, uses heat to improve the function of the valve between the esophagus and stomach. Both treatments improved voice symptoms and dysphagia. [2]

However, these benefits are no match for the consistent, durable symptom relief achieved by laparoscopic fundoplication from an experienced surgeon, said Jon Gould, M.D., of the University of Wisconsin in Madison. [2]

Reference

[1] Nonsurgical acid reflux therapies work -US study Reuters Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:00pm GMT [2] Endoscopic Procedures Effective Against GERD Symptoms medpagetoday.com January 19, 2009 [3] Comparing Two Non- Pharmacological GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) Treatments medicalnewstoday.com 21 Jan 2009 - 3:00 PST