Introduction. Patients presenting with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are usually evaluated by gastroenterologists who perform the diagnostic workup and determine when to refer for surgical consideration. The multiple diagnostic studies can be overwhelming, and this leads to dropouts. In a rural setting, without gastroenterology services, the surgeon can diagnose GERD and perform antireflux procedures. This study aimed to assess the completion of the required diagnostic studies and progression to surgical intervention. Methods. This is a retrospective chart review of patients who presented with GERD symptoms between August 2015 and January 2018. Standardized workup included the upper gastrointestinal study and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with concomitant wireless pH placement. High-resolution impedance manometry and the gastric emptying scan were selectively utilized. Results. 429 patients were evaluated. Proton pump inhibitors were used by 82.2% of patients. The required diagnostic workup was completed by 92.7% of all patients. Nearly 75% were suitable candidates for antireflux surgery. Approximately 2/3 of these patients proceeded with antireflux surgery. Discussion. The lack of gastroenterology services in rural hospitals provides a unique opportunity for general surgeons to diagnose and treat GERD patients locally. This avoids fragmentation of care and enables the surgeon to evaluate the entire spectrum of GERD. This structured approach results in increased completion of multiple diagnostic studies. Moreover, surgical candidates are likely to proceed with surgical intervention. Conclusion. A surgical antireflux program with diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities results in increased completion of diagnostic workup and utilization of antireflux surgery.
Keywords: diagnostic workup and antireflux surgery; gastroesophageal reflux disease.