[Therapy of the gastroesophageal reflux disease--state of the art].

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is defined as a disorder where reflux of the stomach content is bothersome and/or brings about complications. A condition, where reflux symptoms persist or new occur and oesophagitis healing fails to take place despite maximum treatment, is classified as refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. A motility disorder rather than acid hypersecretion is the most important cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Prokinetic agents are thus the most logical treatment choice for gastroesophageal reflux disease, although proton pump inhibitors or, alternatively, a combination of these two therapeutic groups are the most effective.