Indications for Treatment (Gastroesophageal Reflux)

Survey of the indications for a non-operative and an operative treatment in gastroesophageal reflux. Nowadays, the indications for surgery of gastroesophageal reflux are in many places very restrictive. Yet it must be borne in mind that the modern histamine H2 receptor antagonists only relieve acid reflux and that they are only effective as long as they are applied. They cannot cure abnormal anatomical structures, such as the ones in hiatus hernia, or in case of surgery of congenital malformations, such as esophageal atresia with reflux. On the other hand, fundoplication can nowadays be performed laparoscopically as a minimally invasive procedure.