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!

Still, that’s little comfort when the GERD symptoms do attack your well-being. And we are not just talking about heartburn here but also recurrent vomiting and coughing as well as other respiratory concerns, all of which may contribute to significant failure to thrive in your personal and professional life.

First Resort

However, before contemplating surgical procedures, you must consider first lines of defense in your fight against acid reflux. Keep in mind that surgery of any kind, whether it’s invasive or non-invasive, major or minor, is usually the last resort in a doctor’s arsenal of treatment options.

Your doctor will delay doing acid reflux surgery until the following treatment options have been explored and exhausted:

• Lifestyle changes that often involves the reduction of stress as well as the avoidance of habits that trigger acid reflux. Also, quitting smoking and abstaining from alcohol is highly recommended. Besides, it’s best to follow this advice as it can benefit your overall health.

• Dietary changes that mean avoiding foods like chocolate, spicy and fatty foods as well as caffeinated drinks.

• Medical interventions like antacids, histamine antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, pro-motility drugs and foam barriers.

Now, when all these first lines of defense fail to treat GERD, then acid reflux surgery will be considered. Of course, you don’t make this decision for yourself as your doctor will supervise it.

Last Resort

The last and the most effective treatment option for severe cases is fundoplication. Take note, however, that it may or may not be a lifetime treatment depending on your case. Studies have pointed out its efficacy in more than 90 percent of cases, of which positive results can still be enjoyed even after 10 years post-surgery.

Also, you can usually go about your business one to two weeks after the operation, shorter if you opt for the non-invasive laparoscopic fundoplication. There will be complications after the acid reflux surgery in two to four percent of cases, of which food sticking to the artificial sphincter is the most common. However, don’t worry as it is a temporary problem in most cases.

And that’s where the minority of post-surgery problems come from. When said problem takes on a more permanent nature, another medical procedure may be necessary to correct it. This time, endoscopic techniques will be used that basically tightens the sphincter area either through suturing or applications of radio-frequency waves or injection of materials into the LES area. You must thoroughly discuss all of these surgical options as, of course, each one will have its complications. After all, you want to solve a health problem, not add to your medical worries or even financial costs, right?

Indeed, acid reflux surgery may be your last hope for treating your esophagus-stomach disorder. Still, you must consider other non-invasive treatments because it is almost always best to let your body heal naturally, with a little help from its friends – yourself, your doctor and nature.

More info from around the web on Acid Reflux Surgery…

Types of Surgery for Acid Reflux – Since there is less of a risk with this form of acid reflux surgery, it is starting to be used for those that may be getting benefits from prescription medications. There can be side effects of those medications though that the patient … Finding An Acid Reflux Cure – Finally, if you continue to have problems and have been working together with your doctor to treat your acid reflux, then you may have to consider acid reflux surgery. This is the most serious of all treatments here, and involves a … The Dangers Of Acid Reflux Surgery | Medifast Diet – Surgery for acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a process of medical intervention designed to calm acid reflux symptoms and is also suggested by doctors as an extreme solution in the case of severe … Acid Reflux Surgery – Laparoscopic Fundoplication (Nissen) – For more information on acid reflux surgery see www.acidreflux-heartburn-gerd.net.