GERD Surgery

If you have had acid reflux for a long time or just want to stop the pain and you can afford it, GERD surgery just might be for you.  However, any surgery GERD surgery is generally any doctor’s last resort.  There are several different methods of taking care of acid reflux or preventing Barrett’s esophagus with GERD surgery.  There have been studies that have shown that some patients who have GERD surgery may find the need to return to using antireflux medications.

Over one million GERD patients are unable to resolve their acid reflux health issues with medical treatment alone.  Most of the time these people can be helped at least to some degree with GERD surgery. Candidates for GERD surgery are those who have a chronic cough that cannot be helped with any medical assistance, those with an swollen esophagus (esophagitis), as well as children that are unable to keep or get up to a normal weight.  GERD surgery is also for those who are completely helped by medications, but do not wish to continue to take the medication for a long time. 

There are several surgical procedures; one is called “Nissen Fundoplication”.  In this GERD surgery, the fundus (body) of the stomach is wrapped around the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) for two main purposes.  This adds enough pressure on the LES to prevent acid reflux, while allowing food and liquids to pass through.  It is also done to look for and repair any hiatal hernias.  There are two types of this GERD surgery.  One is open and the other is a closed laparoscopic surgery.  This surgery has proven beneficial in aiding digestion and eliminating acid reflux in some patients while others may still need anti reflux medications and some may show new digestive symptoms.  With the open fundoplication GERD surgery a patient will need to spend 6-10 days in the hospital for recovery.

The laparoscopic GERD surgery is safe, even for babies and small children.  This is because it is not an open (requiring a wide incision) and healing is faster with fewer complications than any open GERD surgery that might get infected or other problems that can occur with any extensive surgery.

Not everyone is a good candidate for this GERD surgery.  This GERD surgery is for those who are not pregnant, do not have a history of bleeding problems, no other medical problems such as asthma or other medical conditions, have not had abdominal surgery before, have most of their GERD symptoms while in bed lying down.  This GERD surgery is also for those who do not have the GERD complications and whose hiatial hernias (if any) are small. 

GERD surgery is a serious step and you must consider all of the potential side effects and complications.  GERD surgery is one way to prevent Barrett’s esophagus and live a more normal healthier life.

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