[Indication for conservative therapy of reflux esophagitis (author's transl)]

Conservative treatment is sufficient for the majority of patients with pathologic gastroesophageal reflux and reflux esophagitis proved by endoscopic and histologic examination. The indications for operation are failure of conservative therapy with progressive reflux esophagitis, or the occurrence of rare complications such as stenosis or massive hemorrhage. Even in these complicated cases the decision to operate will depend on the clinical status and risk factors for individual patients.