[Indications for antireflux surgery of the esophagus]

In the Western world gastroesophageal reflux disease constitutes the single most common benign disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Current medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors allows physicians to provide complete symptom relief and healing of acute esophageal mucosal injury in practically all affected patients. However, up to 50% of patients require maintenance therapy to prevent relapse. In these patients laparoscopic antireflux surgery offers an attractive and cost-effective alternative to potentially life-long medical therapy. Consequently, every patient with persistent or recurrent symptoms and/or complications of gastroesophageal reflux who depends on maintenance medical therapy to remain in remission is a potential candidate for laparoscopic antireflux surgery, particularly if of young age, suffering from side effects of medical therapy or worrying about long-term safety of the conservative treatment alternatives. A careful selection of patients, objective documentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, and meticulous attention to the technical details of the procedure are essential for a successful outcome of antireflux surgery.