Acid Reflux Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Acid Reflux, including details on diet, gerd (gastro-esophageal reflux disease), treatment, symptoms.

Endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

de Hoyos A, Fernando HC

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 215 East Huron 10-105, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition affect-ing over 7% of the US population. The primary objective of therapy is symptom relief, with secondary goals to heal esophagitis, prevent reflux-related complications, and maintain remission. There are several new endoscopic therapies (ETs) for treatment of GERD, generating considerable interest. An outpatient procedure, performed without an incision and general anesthesia, is attractive to patients and these therapies are being rapidly introduced, despite lack of long-term follow-up and randomized trials. In this article, the authors review endoscopic procedures, including technical aspects, mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy, and tolerability. Patient selection and relevant human studies are reviewed to clarify advantages and disadvantages of ET compared with conventional procedures.

Published 1 June 2005 in Surg Clin North Am, 85(3): 465-81, viii.
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