Heartburn (GERD)

What Is The Outlook For GERD?

Scientists are trying to develop better drugs to treat GERD. These include medications that have more powerful effects on encouraging the lower esophageal sphincter to clamp shut and prevent acid reflux into the esophagus. In addition to being more effective, new drugs may be safer with fewer undesirable side effects.

Future developments also include improved forms of surgery for GERD. Scientists are developing smaller surgical tools for laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, surgery. These tools may permit anti-reflux operations with even smaller incisions.

New techniques for endoscopic treatment of reflux have been introduced and offer some promise of providing relief from GERD symptoms. If these new methods are proven effective and safe, this will mean less discomfort and faster recovery for patients. Scientists also are studying the long-term effects of surgery to see whether it should have a wider role in the treatment of GERD.