Open AccessGastroesophageal reflux disease: From pathophysiology to treatment
Author(s) -
Fernando A. M. Herbella,
Marco G. Patti
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.v16.i30.3745
Subject(s) - gerd , pathophysiology , hiatal hernia , medicine , reflux , gastroenterology , esophagus , helicobacter pylori , disease , barrett's esophagus , peristalsis , nerd , diaphragmatic hernia , hernia , adenocarcinoma , surgery , cancer
This review focuses on the pathophysiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its implications for treatment. The role of the natural anti-reflux mechanism (lower esophageal sphincter, esophageal peristalsis, diaphragm, and trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient), mucosal damage, type of refluxate, presence and size of hiatal hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, and Barrett's esophagus are reviewed. The conclusions drawn from this review are: (1) the pathophysiology of GERD is multifactorial; (2) because of the pathophysiology of the disease, surgical therapy for GERD is the most appropriate treatment; and (3) the genesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma is associated with GERD.