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Stanford Health Care

Causes

How We Can Help You

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Left untreated, GERD can lead to several complications, such as Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, and esophageal strictures.

At Stanford, we offer a full range of advanced diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of GERD. Our expertise and testing capabilities are unmatched by other health care centers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our goal is to use the latest minimally invasive treatment techniques to help you manage the condition, prevent further symptoms or complications, and achieve greater health and wellness.

What We Offer You For Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

  • Expert care from board-certified doctors using decades of experience to help provide better outcomes and faster recoveries.
  • Multispecialty approach that brings together doctors from different specialties to tailor care to your specific needs.
  • Access to advanced diagnostic tests and innovative treatments, many of which cannot be found at other esophageal clinics. 
  • The latest technology, including endoscopes, motility tests, and probes, that use advanced processing capabilities to help diagnose and treat GERD.
  • Minimally invasive techniques for diagnosis and treatment to help manage and prevent the symptoms and complications of GERD.
  • Coordinated care with access to specialists and diagnostic testing equipment through one convenient location.  

Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stanford’s expert team of doctors use the most progressive techniques to effectively treat GERD. We offer several treatment options for managing acid reflux symptoms and avoiding complications. We have expertise in all standard treatment approaches and strive to use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. 

Our team includes doctors from several esophageal specialties who work together to find the best treatment solutions for you. Our goal is to provide personalized care that targets the cause of GERD and provides you with fast, reliable relief.

We combine expertise across multiple esophageal specialties to meet your unique needs.

Lifestyle and Dietary Modification

Our nutritionists work with you to find healthy lifestyle and dietary changes, such as losing weight and reducing alcohol consumption, that may help manage acid reflux symptoms. 

Medications

Certain medications may help manage acid reflux symptoms if lifestyle and diet changes are not effective. Common medications used to treat GERD include:

  • Antacids: Antacids help neutralize stomach acid.
  • H2 blockers: These medications help block histamine, which stimulates certain cells in the stomach to produce acid.
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs also help reduce stomach acid by blocking acid production in certain stomach cells, called parietal cells.

Laparoscopic and Surgical Procedures

If surgery is your best option for GERD symptom relief, our gastrointestinal specialists try to use minimally invasive surgical techniques to provide effective treatment. Our surgeons are experienced in advanced laparoscopic and other surgical techniques, including:  

  • Nissen fundoplication: During this procedure, doctors create a new valve between your esophagus and stomach, which improves the esophagus’s ability to close properly. Nissen fundoplication also treats paraesophageal (hiatal) hernias.
  • Partial fundoplication: For some people with motility problems, a Nissen fundoplication may not be possible. A partial fundoplication may be an option in these cases.
  • Linx® magnetic reflux management device: Our surgeons implant this device, a string of magnets, around the esophagus to prevent acid from backing up. The magnets separate so you can swallow food.
  • Gastric bypass: Acid reflux can result from significant weight gain and obesity. For some people, gastric bypass surgery is the best treatment choice.
  • EndoStim®: Stanford is the only site in the Bay Area currently enrolling for the EndoStim clinical trial. This device uses a laparoscopically-implanted electrical stimulator to increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
  • Transoral incisionless fundoplication: Surgeons use the EsophyX® device to reconstruct the muscular valve between your esophagus and stomach. This procedure helps keep acid where it belongs – in your stomach.

Clinical Trials

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Open Clinical Trials

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Clinical trials investigate new approaches to diagnosis and treatment such as medications and medical devices. Stanford researchers actively participate in the latest clinical trials for GERD. Currently, we’re exploring a new device, EndoStim®, and an injectable substance, both of which may help prevent acid reflux from occurring.

Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.

To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Divya Pathak at 650-721-8436.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

What Is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Causes

A valve-like muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) connects the stomach and esophagus. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens to allow food and liquid to pass from your esophagus into your stomach.

If you have GERD, your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or is not functioning properly. Because of this issue, the contents of your stomach – including stomach acid – flow backward into your esophagus, causing the symptoms of GERD.

Your stomach has a special lining that naturally protects it from stomach acid and the irritation it may cause, but your esophagus does not have the same protection. Long-term exposure to stomach acid damages the lining of your esophagus and can lead to serious complications, including Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal strictures.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Hiatal Hernia

Some research shows a link between GERD and hiatal hernia, a condition in which part of the stomach pushes into the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

If you have a hiatal hernia, your diaphragm may not support the lower end of your esophagus properly. You may develop GERD because of this lack of support. However, not all people with hiatal hernia will develop GERD.

Our Clinics

Esophagus Center

Our multispecialty clinic, the only facility of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area, brings together experts with decades of experience and advanced technologies. Our doctors work together to develop personalized treatment plans to help people manage GERD. 

Esophagus Center
420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-736-5555 Getting Here
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420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-736-5555

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