GERD: the potential for endoscopic intervention.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder that significantly affects patients' quality of life. Most patients with symptomatic GERD do not have erosive reflux disease. Frequent transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations and the presence of hiatal hernia have emerged as major and interacting factors in GERD. Several endoscopic anti-reflux therapies aiming at creating an anti-reflux barrier and reducing or eliminating the need for chronic medical therapy or fundoplication have been introduced and validated as feasible, safe and effective. Today, it is possible to manage GERD patients with a multioption approach of medical, endoscopic or surgical therapies according to the size of hiatal hernia, the lower esophageal pressure profile and their clinical response to single-modality therapy. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel