
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) & Barrett’s esophagus
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in which stomach acid regularly flows back into the oesophagus. This backflow, also known as reflux, can irritate the sensitive mucous membrane of the oesophagus and lead to various symptoms and discomfort.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is caused by a weakness or dysfunction of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), the sphincter muscle at the junction between the oesophagus and stomach. Normally, this muscle prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. In GERD, this mechanism is disrupted, leading to an accumulation of stomach acid in the oesophagus. The most common causes include
- Eating habits: Excessive consumption of fatty, acidic or spicy foods.
- Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol consumption and stress.
- Overweight: Increased pressure on the stomach area.
- Hiatal hernia: stomach slips through the diaphragmatic hiatus.
- Medication: Certain medications that can weaken the LES.
Symptoms
GERD can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation behind the breastbone that often occurs after eating.
- Acid regurgitation: Reflux of stomach acid into the mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing: Pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Chest pain: pain that can often be mistaken for heart problems.
- Chronic cough: Especially at night or when lying down.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of GERD is based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The following examinations can be performed to confirm the diagnosis:
- Endoscopy: Examination of the oesophagus and stomach with a flexible tube to detect inflammation or other changes. We use the latest high-resolution endoscopes with bluelight imaging. At our Wittenbergplatz location, we also have integrated artificial intelligence.
- Gentle reflux diagnostics: with BravoTM capsule (for privately insured and self-paying patients – link to Bravo capsule
- Manometry: Measurement of the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter – here we cooperate with inpatient care providers.
Treatment options
Lifestyle changes
- Avoid triggers such as fatty, spicy and acidic foods.
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Weight reduction for overweight people.
- Do not lie flat immediately after eating.
Drug therapy
- Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): Reduce acid production in the stomach.
- H2 receptor antagonists: Block the effect of histamine on acid production.
Surgical interventions
- Fundoplication: The upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent reflux.
- Endoscopic procedures: Various minimally invasive techniques to strengthen the LES.
Barrett’s esophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus is a change in the oesophageal mucosa caused by chronic reflux of stomach contents. The normal squamous epithelium of the oesophagus is replaced by specialized cylindrical epithelium, similar to the epithelium of the intestine. This so-called intestinal metaplasia increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Symptoms & diagnosis
Barrett’s oesophagus does not cause any specific symptoms. It is often diagnosed during an endoscopy, which is carried out, for example, because of the above-mentioned typical reflux symptoms.
Indications for endoscopic therapy in cooperation with clinics:
- Low-grade dysplasia: In patients with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), endoscopic therapy is recommended to prevent progression.
- High-grade dysplasia: In patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), endoscopic therapy is necessary to minimize the risk of progression to carcinoma.
- Mucosal Barrett’s esophagus: In patients with Barrett’s esophagus that already has mucosal elements, regular monitoring and, if necessary, therapy is recommended.
- Early Barrett’s carcinoma: Endoscopic resection can be performed in patients with early-detected Barrett’s carcinoma that is confined to the mucosa.
Possible endoscopic therapy options
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This method is often used to treat Barrett’s esophagus. Radiofrequency is used to heat and kill the affected tissue.
Argon plasma coagulation (APC): This technique uses an argon plasma to coagulate and kill the tissue.
Endoscopic resection: In patients with early Barrett’s carcinoma or high-grade dysplasia, an endoscopic resection can be performed to remove the neoplastic tissue.
Multiband ligation system: This method is used to remove the neoplastic tissue and then perform an ablation of the residual Barrett’s esophagus.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): This technique is used for larger lesions with suspected submucosal invasion.
Cooperation with renowned clinics
Our practice works closely with leading clinics in Berlin to provide you with comprehensive and specialized care:
- Elisabeth Herzberge Hospital
- DRK Hospital Köpenick
- Vivantes Hospital in Friedrichshain
- Vivantes Hospital Kaulsdorf
- Charité Berlin
Thanks to these collaborations, we can offer you seamless care that includes both outpatient and inpatient treatment options.

The specialized care provided by Brunk Gastroenterology offers you:

Gentle diagnostics with BravoTM capsule
State-of-the-art method for the precise diagnosis of GERD.

Individual therapy plans
Customized treatment plans based on your needs.

Close support
Regular checks and adjustments to your therapy for optimum symptom control.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Google Maps. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers. More Information
Specialist practice for gastroenterology Karlshorst
Ehrenfelsstraße 47,
10318 Berlin
Phone: 030 5293310
karlshorst@gastroenterologie-
brunk.de
Opening hours
Mon., Tue. & Wed.: 07:30 – 15:30
Thurs.: 07:30 – 17:30
Fri.: 07:30 – 15:30
or by appointment!
Closing times: 23.12.2024 and 02.01.2025
Specialist practice for gastroenterology at Wittenbergplatz
Ansbacher Straße 13,
10787 Berlin
Phone: 030 21 00 57 20
wittenbergplatz@gastroenterologie-
brunk.de
Opening hours
Mon.: 07:30 – 15:00
Tue & Wed: 07:30 – 15:00
Thurs.: 08:00 – 15:30
Fri.: closed
Closing times: 23.12.2024 and 02.01.2025
