Medical versus surgical management for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in adults

Abstract

There is evidence that laparoscopic fundoplication surgery (stomach wrap) is more effective thanmedical management (tablets) in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in adults, at least in the short to medium term. All four studies included in the review found that there was greater improvement inGORD-related symptoms and general health after laparoscopic (key-hole) surgery compared to medical treatment (drug tablets). Like all surgery, laparoscopic fundoplication does have risks, but data from the trials indicate that these are not common.