Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disorder that causes stomach acid or food to back up into the esophagus from the stomach. This occurs when muscles that meet at the stomach and esophagus do not close tightly enough. As a result, discomfort such as heartburn and nausea may be experienced. Although most people who suffer from GERD do find relief from symptoms when they make lifestyle changes and take medication, some may not respond to these treatments and may require anti-reflux surgery.
Anti-Reflux Surgical Procedures
Treating GERD with surgery can relief symptoms of this disorder. Anti-reflux surgical procedures correct the muscle problem where the stomach and esophagus meet. The most common type of surgery done for this disorder is Fundoplication. Thoracic surgeons in Hawaii will use sutures to wrap the top portion of the stomach around the bottom part of the esophagus, which causes pressure to be created at the bottom of the esophagus. This helps to prevent food and stomach acid from backing up. The surgical procedure usually takes between 2 to 3 hours and is done under general anesthesia. The surgery can be done by making an incision in the abdomen or can be performed using laparoscopic repair. This requires tiny incisions in the abdomen so a small camera can be inserted through the incisions. Another surgical procedure to treat GERD is endoluminal fundoplication. This new procedure entails placing a camera directly into the esophagus through the mouth to position tiny clips at the bottom of the food tube. This prevents stomach acid and food from backing up.
When Anti-Reflux Surgery Is Needed
When traditional treatments fail to provide symptom relief or if part of the stomach is twisting around or getting stuck in the chest, thoracic surgeons in Hawaii may recommend surgery. It is also indicated when heartburn occurs resulting in the abdomen, chest or throat burning or when there is difficulty swallowing or excessive burping. Reflux disease can also cause complications resulting in the food passageway narrowing, bleeding or ulcers forming, which could indict the need for surgery.
Possible Risks
Like all surgical procedures, there are possible risks. These include infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks and damage to the food passageway, abdomen, liver or small intestine, although this is rare. Some patients may experience temporary symptoms of gas bloating or difficult swallowing. These symptoms usually subside after about three months.
Prognosis
Following anti-reflux surgery, symptoms usually improve although patients may still have to take heartburn medication. Some patients may require another surgical operation if new symptoms or swallowing difficulties appear. This can occur if the belly is wrapped too tightly around the esophagus or if the wrapped part of the belly becomes loose.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 