Acid Reflux Defeated

In most cases, sufferers of acid reflux respond to drug medications, lifestyle changes, and natural treatments. However, there will always be cases where acid reflux surgery becomes necessary. Here then are answers to your burning questions about the surgical procedure that ought to provide relief from your symptoms.

Definition

The standard surgical treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which is the medical term for acid reflux, is called fundoplication. Depending on your condition, your doctor will perform either the more invasive technique of Open Nissen fundoplication or the minimally invasive procedure of laparoscopic fundoplication. In either case, the stomach’s upper portion is wrapped around the esophagus’ lower portion that, in turn, is attached to the diaphragm. Fortunately, you will be anesthetized during your acid reflux surgery so you don’t have to worry about somebody, even if it’s a qualified surgeon, doing gross if beneficial things to your stomach!

Post-Surgery Expectations

Basically, your acid reflux ought to be remedied after surgery. Without going into medical terms, your stomach’s entrance will now boast of a strong flap valve that can regulate the passage of materials into and out of the stomach.

Reasons for Performing It

Just because you have acid reflux does not necessarily mean that you are a possible candidate for a fundoplication. Your doctor will assess your eligibility for acid reflux surgery through the following criteria:

• Drug medications, lifestyle changes and natural remedies don’t stop, or even control, the symptoms.

• Medication on a lifelong basis will be necessary without the surgery.

• You have severe esophageal damage especially when cancer is suspected or is present.

• You are unwilling or unable to continue with the drug medications.

Of course, you have to discuss the surgical procedure in depth with your doctor as it is almost always the last resort in treating the disorder.

Pre-Surgery Tests

As is the case with surgical treatments, you will be made to undergo pre-operative procedures before the acid reflux surgery is performed. These will include endoscopy, contrast radiography, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and esophageal and sphincter manometry. Of course, there will be other routine tests to determine your physical condition to undergo surgery. These laboratory tests are necessary so as to allow your doctor to determine the best surgical option for your case, so just go along even when you feel like a lab rat under a microscope. It’s for your own good, anyway.

Success Rate

Either of the above mentioned procedures will generate the same long-term benefits. Of course, each one will differ in terms of recovery period and financial costs although you can leave the hospital one day after the acid reflux surgery and return to your usual activities in 1-2 weeks’ time. There are complications mostly arising out of the stomach wrap. However, take comfort in the fact only 2-4 percent of patients suffer said complications and even those complications are minor.

With that said, keep your fingers crossed that you will belong to the 90 percent of patients who finally said goodbye to their acid reflux! Goodbye heartburn! Goodbye, regurgitation! Goodbye, nausea!