Gastroesophageal Reflux: Experience of Gastrointestinal and Surgical Units

Symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation are frequently experienced by patients with diseases other than gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Therefore the diagnosis of abnormal GER is based on the combination of several investigations, and the incidence of proven reflux is usually lower than that suspected on the basis of symptoms. In addition, results of medical and surgical therapy are not always satisfactory and the optimal approach to this disease is still questionable. This study is a retrospective evaluation of patients with GER symptoms referred to a Surgical Unit (SU) and a Gastrointestinal Unit (GIU) with the aim of investigating the prevalence of esophagitis and its complications and the results of medical therapy and of determining the need for surgical therapy in this patient population.