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Mayo Clinic provides diagnosis and innovative treatment options for more than 18,000 adults and children who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) each year. Mayo specializes in the medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment of GERD, using a team approach. A treatment team for GERD might include a gastroenterologist, chest (thoracic) surgeon, pulmonary specialist, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist, and radiologist. Pediatric specialists in each of these areas are available to treat children. These multispecialty teams conduct leading-edge research, as well provide supportive care of patients with GERD.
Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in Digestive Disorders by U.S. News & World Report.
Mayo offers the latest in screening and diagnostic services for GERD. Patients are evaluated, based on their symptoms, and in some cases given tests such as an esophagoscopy, barium swallow, cardiac evaluation, esophageal manometry and esophageal pH monitoring. Mayo is helping to develop new tests to help diagnose GERD. Read more about GERD diagnosis.
At Mayo Clinic, health care team members discuss the most appropriate approach for care with their patients. Treatment plans include lifestyle changes, medication, endoscopic treatment or surgery. Mayo offers each of the approved endoscopic treatments: sewing (suturing), burning (radiofrequency) or injections. Mayo physicians are actively investigating the best endoscopic treatments. Mayo surgeons are experienced and highly skilled in laparoscopic surgery for GERD, including the repair of hiatal hernias which can contribute this condition. In addition, Mayo has active GERD clinical and basic research programs. Read more about GERD treatment options.
GERD, also known as acid reflux, is a condition in which stomach acids or bile salts back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) producing a burning sensation behind the breastbone and esophageal irritation or inflammation. Normally, acid is trapped in the stomach by a circular band of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains closed except when swallowing. If the sphincter relaxes abnormally or becomes weakened, stomach acid tends to back up, causing symptoms of heartburn. This can also be exacerbated by the presence of a hiatal hernia (when part of the stomach is protruding through the diaphragm and into the chest).
An estimated 17 million Americans currently suffer from heartburn and other symptoms of GERD. For many people, it can be treated with the correct combination of lifestyle changes and medication. For others, surgical intervention can help to eliminate the symptoms and prevent further damage to the esophagus.
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