Acid reflux is a chronic problem that can result in potentially serious health problems, including scarring of the esophagus and an increased risk of developing esophageal cancer. Nissen fundoplication is a surgery used to treat acid reflux and, unlike some other treatments, does not appear to affect vitamin B-12 levels.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin, so it dissolves well in the water-based environment of your intestines. This vitamin is essential for making new DNA, which is in the production of new cells. In particular, a lack of vitamin B-12 prevents the body from making red blood cells. You also need vitamin B-12 to make myelin, a protein that covers and protects the nerves in your body.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
During a laparoscopic nissen fundoplication procedure, the surgeon wraps a portion of the stomach, known as the gastric fundus, around the lower portion of the esophagus. This helps strengthen the muscles that keep stomach acid from traveling up into the esophagus. Laparoscopic nissen fundoplication is an effective long-term treatment for acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Treatments and Vitamin B-12
One of the difficulties in treating acid reflux is that it can affect your vitamin B-12 levels. Stomach acid is important for allowing your body to absorb vitamin B-12. Some treatments for acid reflux, such as the medication omeprazole, can interfere with stomach acid production and cause vitamin B-12 deficiencies. A laparoscopic nissen fundoplication, however, is not associated with decreased vitamin B-12 absorption, so it is a treatment that can keep you from developing vitamin deficiencies.
Considerations
Surgical treatment for acid reflux is usually reserved for patients who cannot obtain adequate relief from medications or for patients who have severe complications relating to acid reflux, though it can also be an option if you do not want to take medications long-term. All surgeries carry with them a risk of complications, including bleeding and infection, so talk to your doctor about different options available to you for treating acid reflux.
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