Gastroesophageal reflux disease--update 2006

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) encloses the broad spectrum from simple discomfort to severe illness due to complications. Young people with typical symptoms may be treated without preceding endoscopy. On the other hand esophagogastroscopy ist the most important diagnostic procedure for elderly patients and for those with atypical symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors are the drugs of choice to relieve GERD related symptoms. Anti reflux surgery is an effective alternative for selected patients, whereas endoscopic procedures are not yet fully developped. Since Barrett's esophagus is a precancerous lesion, a surveillance program is recomendable.