GERD

What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

GERD is the abnormal reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

The most typical symptoms of GERD are heartburn and/or the regurgitation of food and stomach acid to the back of your throat. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, a sense of fullness in your throat, repetitive throat clearing, cough and wheezing.

How do I get tested for GERD?

The best diagnostic tests for GERD are an upper endoscopy and, if needed, measuring acid levels in the esophagus using special devices.

How is GERD treated?

The treatment of GERD depends on the severity of your symptoms, any medical conditions you may have, your anatomy and your personal preference. The most basic treatment includes changes in your diet and lifestyle. There are also acid reducing medications that are very effective in controlling reflux symptoms. Minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic techniques are also available to treat reflux.

What are the minimally invasive options for the treatment of GERD?

There are several anti-reflux procedures which can be performed to reduce acid reflux. These include both robotic and laparoscopic surgical approaches in addition to a new endoscopic technique called transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF).

How is the TIF procedure done?

The TIF procedure is performed using a device that fits over a flexible tube which is then passed through the mouth and used to reconstruct the valve between your esophagus and stomach. This device allows us to deploy small fasteners that strengthen and reshape the anti-reflux valve.

Author

Rawad H. Mounzer, MD Rawad Mounzer, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and co-founder of Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC in Peoria, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mounzer received his medical degree from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon before moving to the United States in 2005 to pursue his dream of becoming a board-certified gastroenterologist. His journey began at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where he completed a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship focusing on the role of inflammatory molecules in vascular development. He then completed his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.