GERD is often caused by a mechanical problem, such as a hiatal hernia or a
defective lower esophageal sphincter. So, medications or diet and lifestyle
changes do not work for everyone. And in the case of medications, you may not
want to take a daily medication or you may dislike the side effects.
In some cases, the success of taking a PPI is an indication that a patient
would be a good candidate for surgery due to the positive outcomes of taking
the medication. Surgery is an option for selected patients with severe chronic
heartburn that disrupts their lives, despite lifestyle modifications and
appropriate medication.
More than 100,000 people in the U.S. choose to have antireflux surgery each
year.*
Surgical treatments include:
* Data on file at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
