The Saudi Gastroenterology Association consensus on the clinical care pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common problems encountered in outpatient general medicine and gastroenterology clinics. GERD may present with classic esophageal symptoms, extraesophageal symptoms, or mixed symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment of GERD are challenging due to the variety of symptoms and multifactorial pathophysiology. Since there is no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Gastroenterology Association established an expert group to formulate a consensus on the clinical care pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD to update health-care providers in Saudi Arabia. The expert group reviewed the literature including recently published international guidelines, clinical trials, and expert opinion and conducted virtual and in-person meetings. A total of 22 statements on the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD were formulated, and three algorithms for the clinical care of GERD were developed with a detailed description for each step. The expert group endorsed the new definition of GERD, the practical principles of interpretation of the diagnostic GERD evaluation, and the practical guidance for GERD treatment including medical, surgical, and endoscopic therapy. The expert group recommends further studies to investigate local data on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD.