Chronic reflux may also be associated with Barrett's esohagus, a condition that may lead to cancer. Medications which reduce gastric acidity such as antacids or Zantac, Tagamet, Pepcid, or Prilosec are also prescribed. Since reflux disease is a mechanical problem, it is clear that medical treatment will never cure the problem, but only relieve the symptoms. The majority of patients can, however, be successfully treated with lifestyle changes and medications. For some patients, however, this is not enough.
Some patients continue to have severe symptoms despite medications.
Some develop severe esophagitis, while others are simply unable to comply with a lifetime ordeal of expensive medications and the inconvenience of dietary and lifestyle modifications. These patients are candidates for surgical treatment. In addition, patients who develop complications such as stricture or Barrett's esophagus are also candidates for surgical treatment. There are several types of operations done to treat reflux disease, though all are similar in that they aim to repair the lower esophageal sphincter valve and thereby prevent reflux of acid into the esophagus. This can be done through the chest or through the abdomen.