Novel GERD Treatment Concept

Outlook

• GERD is an increasing epidemic caused by Western life style and eating behavior (fast food culture).
• GERD is associated with metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity), cardiorespiratory and vascular diseases.
• GERD harbors a risk for esophageal cancer the frequency of which dramatically increased over the last 15 years in Europe and North America. Comparable trends are currently observed for Asia, South America and Africa.
• GERD management aims to resolve the symptoms and to prevent cancer development.

Published evidence justifies:

• the implementation of screening endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus
• the active treatment of Barrett's esophagus (radiofrequency ablation & fundoplication)
• the active surgical treatment of obesity
• to inform the public (physicians, nurses, medical personal, patients) on GERD, cancer prevention and treatment of GERD (surgically and medical).

Mediation of the novel GERD management needs:

• information platforms (www.gerdcenter.at; www.igerd.com)
• study centers
• education centers
• publications (i.e. European Surgery)
• congresses, symposia, courses