Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD: New Tricks for an Old Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common diagnosis encountered by both primary care providers and specialists, but despite its prevalence, there are limitations in the current diagnostic tests for GERD. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, treatment options can be offered, and this field continues to burgeon with options. In this review, we seek to review the recent advances in GERD diagnostics and subsequent treatment options.

Novel impedance markers and novel techniques (mucosal impedance testing, salivary pepsin, high-resolution manometry, and narrow-band imaging) have shown promise in diagnosing GERD. Advances in medical therapy, including potassium-competitive acid blockers and bile acid sequestrants, along with advances in invasive therapy (transoral incisionless fundoplication, endoscopic radiofrequency, electrical stimulation of the LES, and magnetic sphincter augmentation) have provided additional options for therapy for GERD beyond PPI and anti-reflux surgery. Novel impedance markers and techniques will provide further clarity on mucosal integrity and the barrier function allowing improved diagnostic accuracy of GERD. Improvements in medical and invasive therapy will expand GERD therapy.