GERD Demystified: PPIs, TIF, and Shared Decision-Making

GERD Demystified: PPIs, TIF, and Shared Decision-Making

In this episode of All Fore Guts, Ben Elsbernd, MD, is joined by Josh Sloan, MD, and Jacob Moremen, MD, for a practical discussion on the evaluation and management of GERD, patient concerns around long-term PPI use, and the evolving role of procedural options such as TIF and CTIF.  The conversation explores how clinicians can approach shared decision-making when patients are hesitant about PPIs, including how to communicate the strengths and limitations of available data while respecting patient preferences.   Together, they highlight the value of collaborative care, realistic patient expectations, and thoughtful follow-up in optimizing outcomes for patients with foregut disease.

The Power of Advanced Practice Providers in Foregut Care

In this special “APP Edition” of All Fore Guts, leaders in gastroenterology and foregut surgery come together to explore the expanding role of advanced practice providers in esophageal and foregut care. The panel discusses how PAs and NPs contribute to diagnostics, clinical workflows, surgical care, and long-term patient management, including esophageal monitoring and advanced endoscopy. From academic medical centers to community practices, guests share real-world insights on improving access, streamlining care, and practicing at the top of their licenses. The episode also highlights emerging training models, mentorship, and innovative approaches such as transnasal endoscopy. Whether you are an APP, physician, or healthcare leader, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building high-functioning, patient-centered teams in foregut medicine.

Reflux Recurrence and the Road to Revision

In this episode of All Four Guts, Dr. Waseem Skef leads a nuanced discussion on reflux symptoms after fundoplication surgery. Joined by Dr. Daniel Tseng and Dr. Yan Jang, the panel explores why symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation may return years after surgery—and how to tell whether it's a true surgical failure or something else entirely. Topics include when to reintroduce PPIs, interpreting diagnostic tests (like wireless pH vs. catheter testing), surgical revision thresholds, and the role of BMI, motility, and gastroparesis in decision-making. Whether you're managing a single patient or shaping a care pathway, this episode offers practical insights from both sides of the scope.  Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest conversations in foregut disease.

Reflux Recurrence and the Road to Revision

In this episode of All Four Guts, Dr. Waseem Skef leads a nuanced discussion on reflux symptoms after fundoplication surgery. Joined by Dr. Daniel Tseng and Dr. Yan Jang, the panel explores why symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation may return years after surgery—and how to tell whether it's a true surgical failure or something else entirely. Topics include when to reintroduce PPIs, interpreting diagnostic tests (like wireless pH vs. catheter testing), surgical revision thresholds, and the role of BMI, motility, and gastroparesis in decision-making. Whether you're managing a single patient or shaping a care pathway, this episode offers practical insights from both sides of the scope.  Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest conversations in foregut disease.

Not Just heartburn, It Could Be Cancer: Esophageal Cancer Awareness month

Reflux, sometimes known as heartburn, can be an early warning sign of esophageal cancer. When it's caught early, the survival rate can be 80%, but many people, including some doctors can miss the warning signs and late stage esophageal cancer has only a 20% survival rate.   On this episode, American Foregut Society President Dr. Dan Lister has a conversation with Dr. John Lipham, Dr. Sri Komanduri, and Mindy Mintz Mordecai, President and CEO of the Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN). Together, they discuss the importance of screening and early detection for esophageal adenocarcinoma and Barrett’s esophagus, helping to kick off Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.   Visit ecan.org to learn more about how you can raise awareness for esophageal cancer, and americanforegutsociety.org to learn more about AFS.   Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest conversations in foregut disease.