Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a condition where there is excessive backflow of noxious gastric juices (contains acid, bile and digestive enzymes) from the stomach into the oesophagus. The most common (typical symptoms) are heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia; less common (atypical) symptoms include chest pain, chronic cough, sore throat or hoarse voice.
Damage to the cells lining the oesophagus (oesophageal epithelium) results in inflammation and erosions (oesophagitis) and over a prolonged period this can cause fibrosis and the formation of a stricture (narrowing). The epithelium can also transform to appear more like intestinal epithelium. This is referred to as
specialised intestinal metaplasia (SIM) or
Barrett's oesophagus. This tissue is regarded as pre-neoplastic, which means it has the potential to become cancerous. Approximately 1 in 100 patients per year who have SIM will develop oesophageal cancer. If patients with SIM develop high-grade dysplasia, then there is strong justification for them to undergo an oesophagectomy as up to 40% will already have developed a cancer at this time.
Symptoms of reflux disease can be significantly improved with medical therapy. However this does not remove the underlying anatomical defect, and while the acid component of the gastic juice is neutralised (causing less heartburn), some reflux persists. Furthermore, patients can become dependant on medication which they may be forced to take for many years. Surgery offers a means of correcting the anatomical defect, restoring normal physiology, provide long term symptom relief and remove the need for medication.
For more information on these conditions including FAQ's go to 
