Gastroesophageal reflux disease: natural history and long-term medical and surgical outcomes.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that affects a large proportion of the adult population. Persistent untreated GERD can lead to esophageal strictures, premalignant Barrett's esophagus, and an increased risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Currently, the most effective medical treatment targets gastric acid suppression, allowing healing of erosive/peptic lesions and controlling symptoms. Most patients take over-the-counter medication or are successfully treated by their primary care physician. Gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons see patients with complications, refractory symptoms despite acid-suppressive therapy, or atypical symptoms. For the medical management of GERD, proton pump inhibitors are potent acid suppressants with favorable side-effect profiles and long-term efficacy and safety. Medical therapy can heal 80% to 100% of patients with erosive esophagitis with 30% to 60% of patients reporting sustained resolution of heartburn. Surgery may be offered to patients with GERD as an alternative to long-term antireflux medication. Careful selection of appropriate surgical candidates is important, and the risk of developing new or recurrent symptoms requiring medication should be disclosed to patients contemplating the surgical alternative.