The Role of Diagnostic Tests in Therapeutic Choices for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has different clinical presentations that require different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This paper describes the appropriate use of diagnostic tests before and after treatment. Each diagnostic tool is examined from a practical point of view to determine the information it can provide and its possible pitfalls, and to comment on how it can influence therapeutic choices. Performing a preoperative diagnostic evaluation is especially stressed, so as not to select the wrong patient or the wrong procedure. Finally, failures of surgery are examined to understand their causes and to prevent them. The value of the most relevant examinations for diagnosing the causes of failures and choosing the appropriate solution are discussed.