Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

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Gastroesophageal Motility Disorders Laboratory

For appointments and information, please call (212) 746-5130

With comprehensive services and expertise focused on problems related to the esophagus and stomach, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center offers a full range of medical and surgical options for treating GERD.

At NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, you'll find a team that specializes in esophageal disease, including some of the most experienced surgeons and gastroenterologists. Our surgeons are experts at performing minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of GERD, including laparoscopic fundoplication (Nissen, Toupet, Dor), a minimally invasive operation that can cure GERD and provide lasting relief without the side effects of taking medications for many decades. Our surgeons also perform laparoscopic Heller myotomies for achalsia as well as minimally invasive reoperation, and hiatal hernia repairs.

About the Team

Our surgeons and gastroenterologists work together in the management and treatment of esophageal disease. We also can offer a full range of medical, surgical and minimally invasive treatment options to meet each patient's needs.

About GERD

Most individuals have occasional "reflux" after eating. This can be food-specific. Modifications in the type or amount of food eaten and use of over the counter medications like Pepcid, PeptoBismol and Tums among others, may relieve most of these episodes. Patients should consult a physician when self-medicating if the condition persists or worsens

In comparison, GERD is less common but more troublesome than periodic acid reflux. In people with GERD, a higher-than-normal amount of gastric juice (acids, bile and pancreatic secretions) refluxes from the stomach back into the esophagus. This increased exposure leads to damage of the esophagous over time leading to a range of conditions from mild esophagitis (irritation of the esophagous) to esophageal cancer.

Proper evaluation of patients with GERD requires the involvement of your physician. Diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms of heartburn, reflux, and regurgitaion alone. Most patients will need further studies for proper diagnosis and successful management. Treatment of GERD and Barrett's esophagus both aim to prevent progression to cancer.