SSAT Maintenance of Certification: Literature Review on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Hiatal Hernia

This article reviews the current literature pertaining to the diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia. GERD is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the USA. For effective management, a conclusive diagnosis must be made. Most patients are effectively managed by acid suppression therapy, whereas others require procedural treatment. Endoluminal treatment of GERD is an option, but long-term results of this therapy are unknown. The “gold standard” surgical treatment of GERD is laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Large hiatal hernias are difficult to manage with a relatively high rate of recurrent hiatal hernia. Whether or not to use mesh at the hiatus to decrease this occurrence is currently debatable.