Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Esophageal Center at RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder caused when gastric acid from your stomach backs up to your esophagus. Acid reflux, or heartburn, is the most common symptom of GERD.
When the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), relaxes too frequently or for long periods of time, acid from your stomach backs up into your esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing and non-cardiac chest pain.
GERD can be caused by:
- Alcohol and Caffeine
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Lifestyle Behaviors (including eating before bedtime)
- Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
- Certain foods such as fruits, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods
Treatments for GERD
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
The TIF is a procedure that is done endoscopically without any incisions. Endoscopic TIF reconstructs the body’s own defense to acid reflux by creating an anti-reflux valve between the stomach and esophagus. The procedure generally takes less than an hour to complete. Patients generally go home the same day and return to most normal activities within a few days.
Laparoscopic Fundoplication
This treatment is done with small incisions into the abdomen. Similar to the endoscopic TIF approach, a reflux valve is created by wrapping the stomach around the base of the esophagus. This creates a strong valve using the patient’s own tissue. The procedure usually requires an overnight stay, with most patients feeling well enough to go home the next day.
If left untreated, GERD can lead to other health problems, including:
- Barrett’s Esophagus
- Breathing problems
- Esophageal Cancer and Non-Cancer Lesions
- Esophagitis
- Strictures
Find out more about the treatment of GERD at the RWJUH Esophageal Center by calling 732-235-8970.
