Study: Antireflux Surgery, Omeprazole Both Effective in Treatment of GERD

Antireflux surgery and omeprazole are both effective treatments for the long-term care of gastroesophageal reflux disease, according to a study published in the December issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

The study by the Nordic GERD Study Group followed 310 patients with esophagitis enrolled from outpatient clinics in Nordic countries. Of the patients enrolled, 154 received omeprazole and 144 underwent antireflux surgery. Patients who were in remission after treatment were followed for 12 years and evaluated on post-fundoplication complaints, other symptoms and safety variables.

According to the study, 71 who were given omeprazole and 53 treated with surgery were followed for the 12-year period. Researchers found that 53 percent of patients who underwent surgery remained in continuous remission, compared with 45 percent of patients given omeprazole with a dose adjustment  and 40 percent without dose adjustment. I

The study also found that 38 percent of surgical patients required a change in therapeutic strategy (eg, to medical therapy or another operation), compared with 15 percent of those on omeprazole. Each group experienced some complications, such as heartburn and regurgitation in patients given omeprazole and dysphagia, rectal flatulence,and the inability to belch or vomit in surgical patients, according to the study.

Researchers concluded that both antireflux surgery and omeprazole were effective and well-tolerated long-term treatments for GERD.

Read the report on antireflux surgery and omeprazole in the treatment of GERD.