GERD in elderly patients: surgical treatment with Nissen-Rossetti laparoscopic technique,outcome

Background

The gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent disease of the upper gastro-entheric tract. Surgical treatment is reserved to selected patients, affected by severe forms of disease and/or without compliance to medical therapy.In 95%-60% of the patients submitted to surgical antireflux intervention, a notable improvement of the quality of life is observed.Functional evaluations performed on pre and post – surgical pHmetric and manometric examination have provided new acquisitions about improvements in the restoration of anatomical and functional integrity of the esophagus-gastric antireflux barrier.

Methods

45 elderly patients with GERD were recruited in a 27 months period. All patients were subjected to laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti 360° fundoplication. The subjects had a pre-surgical evaluation with:? 24 hours pHmetry,? esophageal manometry,The same evaluation was repeated 1 month and 6 months after surgical intervention.

Results

In our series all patients get benefit from surgical treatment, with an improvement of pHmetric and manometric parameters and a regression of complications of GERD such as Barrett's metaplasia. In 8.33% of patients a PPI therapy was necessary, after the surgical intervention, to control symptoms.

Conclusions

The role of surgery in GERD concerns selected patients. Nissen-Rossetti mini-invasive approach is performed with an acceptable percentage of complications (3%-10%). This technique is associated with a good control of GERD symptoms in a short and middle term and with an improvement of functional parameters, such as pHmetric and manometric.

     

Gastroesophageal Reflux and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown origin that affects about 40,000 new patients every year in the USA. Albeit the disease is labelled as idiopathic, it is thought that pathologic reflux, often silent, plays a role in its pathogenesis through a process of microaspiration of gastric contents.

Aims

The aim of this study was to review the available evidence linking reflux to IPF, and to study the effect of medical and surgical therapy on the natural history of this disease.

Results

Medical therapy with acid-reducing medications controls the production of acid and has some benefit. However, reflux and aspiraion of weakly acidic or alkaline gastric contents can still occur. Better results have been reported after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, as this form of therapy re-establishes the competence of the lower esophageal sphincter, therefore stopping any type of reflux.

Conclusions

A phase II NIH study in currently in progress in the USA to determine the role of antireflux surgery in patients with GERD and IPF. The hope is that this simple operations might alter the natural history of IPF, avoiding progression and the need for lung transplantation.

     

Gastroesophageal reflux disease with proton pump inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis: a nationwide population-based analysis

Summary

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The risk of hip fracture is not increased in GERD patients with PPI use.

Introduction

The relationship between GERD with PPI treatment and the risk of osteoporosis is unclear. We aimed to determine the risk of developing osteoporosis in patients diagnosed with GERD.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with GERD and received PPI treatment between 2000 and 2010 were identified from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database as the study cohort (n?=?10,620), which was frequency matched with the comparison cohort (n?=?20,738) sampled from the general population according to age, sex, index year, and comorbidities. Both cohorts were followed until the end of 2011. The risk of osteoporosis was evaluated in both groups by using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

The GERD patients with PPI treatment had a greater incidence (31.4 vs 20.7 per 1000 person-year; crude hazard ratio [cHR] 1.51; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.40–1.63) and a higher risk (adjusted HR [aHR] 1.50; 95 % CI 1.39–1.62) of osteoporosis than that of the comparison cohort. However, the overall incidence of hip fracture was not different between the GERD with PPI use and the control cohorts (aHR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.53–1.18).

Conclusion

GERD with PPI use is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. The findings of our study do not support an increased risk of hip fracture in GERD patients treated with a PPI.

     

Revaluation of the efficacy of magnetic sphincter augmentation for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent disease which severely impacts the quality of life of the patients. The surgical options are limited to such patients who are not satisfied with medical therapies. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a new antireflux surgical technique for treating GERD, which could physiologically reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter by magnetic force. Many clinical and animal studies have focused on this new therapy. The purpose of this work was to review the feasibility, efficacy and safety of MSA as a new treatment for GERD.

Methods

We performed a PubMed database search for the MSA and GERD-related studies between 2008 and September 22, 2015. One animal study, two case reports and fifteen clinical studies were identified in this review.

Results

The MSA device reinforces the lower esophageal sphincter to antireflux via magnetic force. The feasibility of this laparoscopic technique has been proved by the experimental and clinical studies. The clinical studies demonstrate that MSA treatment could effectively reduce the percent time of esophageal acid exposure (pH < 4) and improve the GERD health-related quality of life score. The operation time of MSA is shorter than that of the Nissen fundoplication, and the efficacy of MSA treatment is equal to that of fundoplication. The most frequent postoperative complication is dysphagia, and the majority of them could be self-resolved with conservative treatment.

Conclusion

MSA (or LINX) devices provide an alternative surgical option for the patients who had failed in medical therapy. This review of the current literatures demonstrates that MSA is as effective as the medical and conventional surgical therapies. In the future, MSA will play a more important role in the treatment of GERD because of its unique advantage.

     

Does Nissen Fundoplication Provide Lifelong Reflux Control? Symptomatic Outcome After 31–33 Years

Background

A substantial number of people are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The indication for surgical treatment is the failure of medical treatment in patients with objectively verified GERD. The use of PPIs has been noted to increase with the length of follow-up after fundoplication, raising questions concerning the durability of surgical results. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of open Nissen fundoplication (ONF) over a follow-up of more than 31 years.

Methods

ONF was performed for 38 consecutive patients. Questionnaires concerning long-term outcome were sent on December 14, 2015, to the 24 patients still living. Long-term symptom evaluation was carried out using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Visick grading, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the DeMeester–Johnson reflux scale, and the 15D tool.

Results

Seventeen (70.8%) of the 24 patients still living participated in the study. The typical symptoms of GERD had resolved significantly. Dysphagia was graded as none or minimal by 13 (81.3%) patients. The mean 15D score of the patient group was clinically and statistically the same (0.896 vs. 0.899) as that of the age- and sex-standardized general population (p = 0.912). Six (15.8%) patients had used antireflux medication after the operation and 4 of them (10.6%) continuously.

Conclusions

Patients in the present study used PPIs less frequently than what has been reported in previous long-term follow-up studies. Our results indicate that successful surgery may provide lifelong relief of GERD symptoms and normalize the health-related quality of life in GERD patients.

     

From Heartburn to Barrett’s Esophagus,and Beyond

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the USA, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. About 10–15% of patients with GERD will develop Barrett’s esophagus (BE).

Aims

The aims of this study were to review the available evidence of the pathophysiology of BE and the role of anti-reflux surgery in the treatment of this disease.

Results

The transformation of the squamous epithelium into columnar epithelium with goblet cells is due to the chronic injury produced by repeated reflux episodes. It involves genetic mutations that in some patients may lead to high-grade dysplasia and cancer. There is no strong evidence that anti-reflux surgery is associated with resolution or improvement in BE, and its indications should be the same as for other GERD patients without BE.

Conclusions

Patients with BE without dysplasia require endoscopic surveillance, while those with low- or high-grade dysplasia should have consideration of endoscopic eradication therapy followed by surveillance. New endoscopic treatment modalities are being developed, which hold the promise to improve the management of patients with BE.

     

Harnröhrenrekonstruktion bei vorausgegangener Hypospadieoperation

Background

The tasks involved in reconstructing the urethra after failed hypospadias repair range from correction of a trivial meatal stenosis to reconstruction of the entire anterior urethra.

Objectives

To describe pathological findings in the urethra after failed hypospadias repair and the respective surgical methods used for their correction.

Materials and methods

The various pathological findings after unsuccessful hypospadias surgery are classified according to their location and complexity.

Results

The general rules of reconstruction that should be applied in each particular situation are described.

Conclusions

Successful reconstruction of the urethra in patients with failed hypospadias surgery requires experience and good knowledge of the anatomy of the normal and hypospadic urethra and penis. Mastery of plastic surgical techniques and profound knowledge of the various surgical methods of hypospadias surgery are essential.

     

Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and effects of esomeprazole on the quality of life related to reflux and dyspepsia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Background

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms has not been investigated in patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Japan, and few studies have reported the effect of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in hemodialysis patients with GERD symptoms. Here, we investigated the prevalence of GERD symptoms and the effects of the PPI esomeprazole on the quality of life related to reflux and dyspepsia in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional/cohort study of hemodialysis outpatients implemented in 10 Japanese medical facilities from October 2012 to March 2014. The trial was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000009124).

Results

Forty-one of 385 patients (11 %) reported GERD symptoms on the Global Overall Symptom (GOS) questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the independent prognostic factors for GERD symptoms as a history of gastric ulcer and use of sevelamer hydrochloride or calcium polystyrene sulfonate. Participants with GERD symptoms completed the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia, Japanese version (QOLRAD-J) questionnaire and were assigned to receive 4-week esomeprazole treatment (20 mg/day). This PPI therapy significantly improved all QOLRAD-J domains in the full analysis set (n = 28) and improved the GERD symptoms listed in the GOS questionnaire. Significantly impaired disease-specific quality of life (QOL) in the QOLRAD-J domains was observed in 44.4–74.1 % of patients who had symptoms before treatment. The mean GOS and QOLRAD-J scores correlated significantly.

Conclusion

Therapy with 20 mg/day esomeprazole appears to be efficacious for improving disease-specific QOL and GERD symptoms in Japanese patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

     

Sleeve Gastrectomy Combined with the Simplified Hill Repair in the Treatment of Morbid Obesity and Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease: Preliminary Results in 14 Patients

Background

Our aim is to report our initial experience with a novel technique which addresses morbid obesity and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) simultaneously by combination of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and simplified laparoscopic Hill repair (sLHR).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of LSG+sLHR patients >5 months postoperatively includes demographics, GERD status, proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) use, body mass index (BMI), excess BMI loss (EBMIL), complications and GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire. LSG+sLHR surgical technique: posterior cruroplasty,  standard LSG, fixation of the esophagogastric junction to the median arcuate ligament.

Results

Fourteen patients underwent LSG+sLHR [12 women and 2 men, mean (range) age 47 years (27–57), BMI 41 kg/m² (35–65)]. Five patients had previous gastric banding (GB). All had symptomatic GERD confirmed by gastroscopy and/or upper-gastrointestinal contrast study, two with chronic cough, 10 took PPI daily. Twelve had hiatus hernia and two patulous cardia at surgical exploration. Associated interventions were three GB removals and one cholecystectomy. Postoperative complication was one surgical site infection. Follow-up of all patients at median 12.5 months (5–17) is as follows: symptomatic GERD 3/14 patients, chronic cough 0/14, daily PPI use in 1/14, mean EBMIL 68% (17–120), satisfaction 93%, mean GERD-HRQL score 3,28/50 (0–15), with 4 patients 0/50, occasional bloatedness in 2 patients and dysphagia not reported.

Conclusion

The novel technique which combines LSG with sLHR is feasible, safe and can be associated with GB removal. Preliminary results showed patient satisfaction, high remission rate of preexisting GERD, decrease in PPI use and unimpaired weight loss. Further evaluation is necessary in a controlled and staged manner to establish the technique’s real effectiveness.

     

Long term quality of life after laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the elderly

Background

Studies have previously shown laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate patients receiving laparoscopic antireflux surgery before and after 65 years of age and to assess their surgical outcomes and improvements in long term quality of life.

Methods

Patients were given a standardized symptoms questionnaire and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey for quality-of-life evaluation before and after laparoscopic total fundoplication.

Results

Forty-nine patients older than 65 years of age were defined as the elderly group (EG) whereas the remaining 262 younger than 65 years of age were defined as the young group (YG).There were 114 (36.6%) patients who filled out the SF36 questionnaire (98 in the younger group, rate: 37.4%; 16 in the elderly group, rate: 32.6%) pre- and post-operatively. There was no significant difference between the two age groups regarding preoperative PCS ( 45.6 ± 7.8 in YG vs. 44.2 ± 8.2 in EG; P = 0.51) and MCS ( 48.1 ± 10.7 in YG vs. 46.9 ± 9.2 in EG; P = 0.67). There was no significant difference between the two age groups regarding postoperative PCS (49.8 ± 11.9 in YG and 48.2 ± 9.5 in EG ; P = 0.61 and MCS (48.4 ± 10.7 in YG vs. 50.1 ± 6.9 in EG; P = 0.54).

Conclusions

In conclusion, laparoscopic total fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease generally warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable. An improved long-term quality of life is warranted even in the elderly.

     

Vesikoureteraler Reflux

Background

Vesico-ureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common urologic diseases in childhood. About every third child that presents with a urinary tract infection (UTI) has urinary reflux to the ureter or kidney. Demonstration of a backflow of urine into the ureters or kidneys proves vesicoureteral reflux. In unclear cases, a positioned instillation of contrast agent (PIC) cystogram might be performed and is able to prove vesico-ureteral reflux.

Objectives

Since low-grade VUR has a high probability of maturation and self-limitation, infants with VUR should be given prophylactic antibiotics during their first year of life, reevaluating the status of VUR after 12 months. The aim of any treatment is to prevent renal damage.

Therapy

The individual risk of renal scarring is decisive for the choice of adequate therapy. This risk is mainly dependent on reflux grade, age, and gender of the child as well as parental therapy adherence. In principle, therapeutic options include conservative as well as endoscopic or open surgical antireflux therapies.

Conclusion

Decisions on treatment should be made individually with parents taking into account all the findings available.

     

Die fixierte zervikale hochgradige Kyphose

Background

Surgical correction of severe and rigid cervical kyphosis with chin-on-chest deformity poses significant challenges to both the patient and surgeon once surgery is considered as the treatment of choice.

Objectives

This article presents the current concepts of corrective surgery for patients with severe and rigid cervical kyphosis.

Material and methods

Narrative review and report of clinical experience.

Results

The treatment of severe cervical kyphosis indicates a dedicated deformity assessment, the analysis of regional and global imbalance, the identification of spinal sagittal plane compensation mechanisms, detailed radiographic and clinical planning of corrective surgery, and the meticulous performance of surgical correction. Most recent large-scale studies serve as evidence for the benefit of surgical correction and outline the complications that need to be targeted during and after surgery.

Conclusion

Surgical correction of severe cervical kyphosis can be a pleasant and life-changing event for the disabled patient.

     

Initial Experience with New Intraluminal Devices for GERD Barrett’s Esophagus and Obesity

Background

Transoral intraluminal surgery is less painful. However, endoscopic antireflux procedures have been unsuccessful, endoscopic foregut mucosal excision procedures are often difficult to perform, and endoscopic intra-luminal suturing is both imprecise and too shallow. We have endeavored to correct these deficiencies and report here new devices for GERD, obesity, and Barrett’s mucosal excision.

Method

A retrospective review of ex vivo and in vivo animal experiments using sharp blade mucosal excision for esophageal and gastric mucosa and a suturing device with transverse needles designed to full thickness penetrate the gastric wall were completed. A total of 338 excisions were performed in 134 ex vivo tissue experiments and in 119 in vivo attempts. Suture needle testing was performed in ex vivo human stomachs and porcine stomachs and in in vivo canine and baboon stomachs.

Results

One excision perforation (0.9%) occurred in a live animal. Satisfactory mucosal excision depth for the Barrett’s device was reproducible. Progressive suture actuation reliability improved from 83% during ex vivo testing to 96.7% in in vivo experiments.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate feasibility, reliability, and safety for gastric and esophageal mucosal excision. Suturing reliability improved and further studies will be performed to finalize the instrument designs, the operative techniques, and the other device applications.

     

Inhaled Beta Agonist Bronchodilator Does Not Affect Trans-diaphragmatic Pressure Gradient but Decreases Lower Esophageal Sphincter Retention Pressure in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have a high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) whose pathophysiology seems to be linked to an increased trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient and not to a defective esophagogastric barrier. Inhaled beta agonist bronchodilators are a common therapy used by patients with COPD. This drug knowingly not only leads to a decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure, favoring GERD, but also may improve ventilatory parameters, therefore preventing GERD.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the effect of inhaled beta agonist bronchodilators on the trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient and the esophagogastric barrier.

Methods

We studied 21 patients (mean age 67 years, 57 % males) with COPD and GERD. All patients underwent high-resolution manometry and esophageal pH monitoring. Abdominal and thoracic pressure, trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient (abdominal–thoracic pressure), and the LES retention pressure (LES basal pressure–transdiaphragmatic gradient) were measured before and 5 min after inhaling beta agonist bronchodilators.

Results

The administration of inhaled beta agonist bronchodilators leads to the following: (a) a simultaneous increase in abdominal and thoracic pressure not affecting the trans-diaphragmatic pressure gradient and (b) a decrease in the LES resting pressure with a reduction of the LES retention pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inhaled beta agonist bronchodilators not only increase the thoracic pressure but also lead to an increased abdominal pressure favoring GERD by affecting the esophagogastric barrier.

     

Adjacent intervertebral space infection after lumbar fusion

Background

Surgical site infection is a catastrophic complication after spinal surgery, which seriously affects the progress of rehabilitation and clinical outcome. Currently the clinical reports on spinal surgical site infections are mostly confined to the surgical segment itself and there are few reports on adjacent segment infections after spinal surgery.

Study design

Case report.

Objective

To report a clinical case with adjacent level infection after spinal fusion.

Methods

We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who underwent posterior lumbar 4?5 laminectomy, posterolateral fusion and internal fixation. The patient showed signs of surgical site infection, such as surgical site pain, high fever and increase of the inflammatory index 1 week after the operation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of adjacent intervertebral disc infection. The patient received early combined, high-dose anti-infection treatment instead of debridement.

Results

After the conservative treatment, the infection was controlled and the patient subsequently enjoyed a normal daily life.

Conclusion

Adjacent level infections can occur after spinal surgery. Early diagnosis and anti-infection treatment played an important role in the treatment of this kind of complication.

     

Initial Experience of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Waves Delivery to the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (Stretta Procedure) on Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs de novo or intensifies after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Endoscopic radiofrequency (Stretta) is a minimally invasive, effective tool to treat GERD. However, Stretta safety and efficacy are unknown in patients with GERD after LSG. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Stretta treatment post-LSG GERD, quality of life, and PPI dose up to 6 months.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients’ data who underwent Stretta procedure in our center. Demographics, pre-Stretta lower esophageal manometry, 24-h pH monitoring, endoscopic and radiological findings, GERD symptoms using Quality of Life (HR-QoL) questionnaire, and PPI doses at 0, 3, and 6 months were reviewed.

Results

Fifteen patients had an initial BMI of 44.4?±?9 kg/m². Pre-Stretta BMI was 29.7?±?6.3 kg/m² with an EWL% of 44?±?21.4%. Pre-Stretta endoscopic reflux esophagitis was found in 26.7%, and barium imaging showed severe reflux in 40%. The mean DeMeester score was 27.9?±?6.7. Hypotensive LES pressure occurred in 93.3% of patients. Patients’ mean HR-QoL scores were 42.7?±?8.9 pre-Stretta and 41.8?±?11 at 6 months (P?=?0.8). One case (6.7%) was complicated by hematemesis. At 6 months, 66.7% of patients were not satisfied, though the PPI medications were ceased in 20%. Two patients (13.3%) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at 8 months post-Stretta to relieve symptoms.

Conclusions

Stretta did not improve GERD symptoms in patients post-LSG at short-term follow-up, and about 6.7% complication rate was reported. Patients were not satisfied despite the decrease in PPI dose.

     

Volumentherapie mit Eigenfett und Filler

Background

Synthetic fillers and autologous fat transfer are techniques used in plastic and aesthetic surgery for whole body treatment of contour deformities and volume defects.

Objective

Indications for and application of synthetic fillers and autologous fat transfer for volume therapy in men.

Material and methods

Review of clinical studies and case reports on plastic and aesthetic surgical procedures applied in men.

Results

Although basic application techniques of synthetic fillers and autologous fat transfer are similar between women and men, several physiologically and anatomically determined differences exist, e.?g. in the cosmetic treatment of the face and breasts. Additionally, therapy of the male genital organs as well as muscular strengthening by use of synthetic fillers and autologous fat represent a male-specific field of indications.

Conclusion

Volume therapy in men is a comparably young field in modern aesthetic plastic surgery. Commonly used synthetic fillers as well as autologous fat are equally used for soft tissue regeneration; however, their potential appears far from being exhausted.

     

Is There a Role for Anything Other Than a Nissen’s Operation?

Background

The Nissen fundoplication is the most frequently applied antireflux operation worldwide. The aim of this review was to compare laparoscopic Nissen with partial fundoplication.

Methods

Nine randomized trials comparing several types of wraps were analyzed, four for the comparison Nissen vs. Toupet and five for the comparison Toupet or Nissen vs. anterior fundoplication. Similar comparisons in nonrandomized studies were also included.

Results

Dysphagia rates and reflux recurrence were not related to preoperative esophageal persistalsis independent of the selected procedure. Overall, Nissen fundoplication revealed slightly better reflux control, but was associated with more side effects, such as early dysphagia and gas bloat. Advantages of an anterior approach were only reported by one group. A significantly higher reflux recurrence rate for anterior fundoplication was observed in all other comparisons.

Conclusion

Tailoring antireflux surgery according to esophageal motility is not indicated. At present, the relevant factor for selection of a Nissen or Toupet fundoplication is personal experience. Anterior fundoplication offers less effective long-term reflux control.

     

Proton Pump Inhibitors in the Management of GERD

Introduction

Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is based on the concept that gastric contents, principally acid and pepsin, are responsible for symptoms of reflux and esophageal injury. Pharmacologic treatment is based on the principle that controlling intragastric pH will affect esophageal healing and subsequently symptom relief.

Results and Discussion

Control of pH can be accomplished with antisecretory agents, principally proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The majority of patients respond to a single daily dose of a PPI; however, some will require higher doses, and a small percentage are “refractory” to twice daily dosing of these drugs. The success of these agents, and in fact the reasons for “failure,” is elucidated by understanding the mechanism of action of PPIs and the effect of dose timing and meals on their efficacy.

Conclusion

Awareness of new concerns regarding potential side effects of PPIs when used long-term require careful thought as GERD is a chronic disease with most needing some form of medical treatment over time. This article reviews the pharmacologic properties of PPIs and the impact on the treatment of GERD.