Study: Reflux surgery won't reduce cancer risk

January 28, 2010 A new study finds patients who have reflux surgery to treat severe heartburn continue to have a very high risk of developing cancer of the esophagus. That's even after 15 years or more.

GERD is a known risk factor for esophageal cancer.

Authors of the study say they believe this is the definitive study that proves reflux surgery does not prevent esophageal cancer. But this surgery has been shown to provide long term improvement and resolution of GERD symptoms.

The study appears in the journal Gastroenterology.