Anti-Reflux Surgery Overview
Most people experience occasional acid reflux, but for some people, reflux is an everyday reality. When you are dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, anti-reflux surgery may provide relief.
Most people experience occasional acid reflux, but for some people, reflux is an everyday reality. When you are dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, anti-reflux surgery may provide relief.
Reflux, also called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux, happens when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. You may be familiar with the uncomfortable symptoms of reflux, which can include heartburn and regurgitation, where you taste acid in your mouth or throat.
When the body is functioning normally, the lower esophageal sphincter prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus. When the sphincter weakens or begins to relax when it should not, you may begin to experience reflux more frequently.
Frequent acid reflux can also cause difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough or hoarseness, nausea and chest pain. When reflux lingers or happens frequently, it may be caused by a condition known as GERD. Untreated GERD can lead to complications, including esophagitis and Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
If you are diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, your medical provider may first recommend treatment using conservative methods. Lifestyle changes are often suggested first since losing weight and changing your dietary habits can often relieve reflux. Tactics such as elevating your head during sleep may also offer relief.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are also common treatments for reflux. There are many different kinds of medication, including antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors. When medications and lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve reflux—or when reflux is severe—anti-reflux surgery offers a solution.
Anti-reflux surgery is a procedure known as fundoplication. During this procedure, which can be performed with a minimally invasive approach, the top part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. This strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid from backing up into the esophagus.
In some cases, GERD may be caused by a hiatal hernia, where the top part of the stomach bulges through a weak spot in the diaphragm. If you have a hiatal hernia, the hernia will be fixed first during anti-reflux surgery, then the lower esophageal sphincter will be strengthened.
If you are experiencing GERD and have not found relief with other treatment options, the board-certified surgeons at Hattiesburg Clinic are here to help. We offer patients access to advanced anti-reflux surgery, including laparoscopic and robotic procedures whenever possible. These techniques provide patients with a number of benefits, including a lower risk of complications, reduced pain and a quicker recovery.