Historical perspectives on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
The current vogue in the historical evolution of the management of the problem of reflux is represented by augmentation procedures for the lower esophageal sphincter. Rather than employ a transperitoneal approach, these are directed at the sphincter by the transesophageal route and include stitching, collagen injection and radio-frequency-induced fibrosis. It is however probable that these techniques will suffer all the drawbacks of any mechanical intervention but somewhat decrease the morbidity of open, albeit minimally invasive surgery. Similarly, a specific pharmacotherapeutic probe targeting the lower esophageal sphincter, while long fantasized, remains to be identified.
Modlin
Irvin M
IM
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, TMP 202, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. imodlin@optonline.net
Kidd
Mark
M
Lye
Kevin D
KD
D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000266:history*; D020699:Gastroscopes / Q000266:history; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000266:history*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000266:history; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D010781:Photography