Conditions/Upper GI
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)
Symptoms, testing, medication, and anti-reflux surgery
Most reflux is managed medically; surgery is for selected patients with proven disease and incomplete control.
Heartburn, regurgitation, and sometimes chronic cough or hoarseness may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Occasional reflux is common; disease-level GERD repeats, damages the esophagus, or impairs quality of life. Endoscopy looks for esophagitis, stricture, or Barrett’s esophagus; manometry and pH/impedance testing matter before anti-reflux surgery. Lifestyle measures and acid suppression remain foundational for most patients. Fundoplication (Nissen or partial wraps) is reserved for carefully selected patients with proven reflux, incomplete medical control, or mechanical problems such as a large hiatal hernia.
Figure labels (English)
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Acid reflux
Educational figures
Tap a figure to enlarge. These English illustrations mirror the Turkish hub gallery for this condition.
Symptoms Diagnosis Antireflux surgery Overview
Confirm the diagnosis
Not every heartburn equals operable GERD.
Medications first
PPI therapy and lifestyle changes remain foundational.
Surgery candidates
Proven reflux with incomplete response or preference against long-term drugs.
After-surgery diet
Gradual diet progression matters for comfort and wrap success.
Key points for patients
- Red flagsTap for details · key note inside
Dysphagia, unintentional weight loss, bleeding, or anemia need prompt evaluation — not years of empiric PPI without investigation.
- Work-up before surgeryTap for details
Endoscopy plus physiologic testing (manometry, pH/impedance) clarifies who benefits from fundoplication and which wrap is appropriate.
- Medical managementTap for details
Weight, meal timing, head-of-bed elevation, and acid suppression help many patients. Surgery is not a shortcut past a proper medical trial when disease is mild.
- Anti-reflux operationsTap for details
The goal is to keep the stomach below the diaphragm, tighten the hiatus appropriately, and create a fundoplication valve. Nissen (360°) is common; Toupet or Dor wraps are used selectively.
- Early postoperative expectationsTap for details
Temporary dysphagia, bloating, or difficulty belching can occur as the wrap settles. Progressive or severe symptoms need review rather than ignoring them.
Patient journey
In this hub — follow the pathway step by step. Full Turkish illustrated pages remain linked from each chapter.
- 1
GERD Symptoms
What patients notice — and which warning signs need urgent care
Continue this step → - 2
GERD Diagnosis
How clinicians confirm the problem and stage the next steps
Continue this step → - 3
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Surgery: what the procedure aims to do and who it fits
Continue this step →
Appointment / info
Bring endoscopy and pH/manometry results if you have them — they decide whether surgery is a serious option.
Educational information only; not a substitute for clinical evaluation.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · English patient-education hub.