Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in a National Population-based Cohort

Aim: To compare rate of surgery with medical treatment in patients with newly diagnosed gastro-esophageal reflux disease in a nationwide population based cohort over 15 years.

Background: Between 1990 and 1997, frequency of anti-reflux surgery in USA rose from 4,4 per 100.000 inhabitants to 12 per 100.000 inhabitants. In the same period a trans-abdominal laparoscopic approach increased to 64% of cases and mortality as well as morbidity decreased. The operation rate peaked around 2000 with an increase of 260% to approximately 16.7 operations per 100.000 inhabitants. Complications fell to its lowest point around 2000 as well.

Hereafter, the frequency of anti-reflux surgery dropped by 40% between 2000 and 2006. Complications in the form of morbidity and mortality rates steadily rose again, but the patients having performed surgery were now older and have longer hospital stays and more comorbidity. A slight rise in frequency of anti-reflux surgery to 6,1 per 100.000 inhabitants was registered in 2010 and at this time length of stay, morbidity and mortality rates have decreased, probably illustrating an increased experience. Interesting to note is, that in the American data, use of laparoscopic approach does tend to plateau at 70-80%.

It is unknown whether anti-reflux surgery in Denmark has followed the same trend. There are important differences in the setup of surgical service that may affect the results, as open anti-reflux surgery never gained much popularity in Denmark. Also, significantly fewer centers offer the procedure. In a study of re-operative anti-reflux surgery based on data from 1997-2005, a primary anti-reflux surgery rate of 5.2 per 100.000 inhabitants was reported. However, we do not know how this rate has developed or was preceded.

Hypothesis: From 2000-2015 there has been an increase in diagnosis of GERD and in the use of anti-secretory drugs, but a decrease in the utilization of anti-reflux surgery.