A band of muscle fibers, the lower esophageal sphincter, closes off
the esophagus from the stomach. If the sphincter does not close
properly, food and liquid can move backward into the esophagus and
cause heartburn and other symptoms known as gastroesophageal
disease (GERD). To alleviate symptoms dietary changes and
medications are prescribed. For a patient who has persistent
symptoms despite medical treatment, an anti-reflux operation may be
an option.
Review Date: 12/10/2010
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz.
Previously reviewed by George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of
Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San
Diego, California (8/1/2009).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
