1. Collar That Esophagus
Fundoplication is the standard surgical procedure for GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is similar to severe heartburn and can be extremely painful. Surgery is sometimes recommended for patients who have a weak lower esophageal sphincter. Although medications for GERD are quite effective, they do not cure the disorder, and most patients have to take the medications for a lifetime. Surgery is seen more and more as the primary treatment for GERD. When performed as a traditional operation, the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus. This makes a kind of collar that prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus. It also allows your esophagus to heal, since fluids are not rushing back up into it. If you choose open fundoplication, which requires wide surgical incisions of about eight inches, you will need to stay in the hospital for five to 10 days. If you also have a hiatal hernia, which many GERD patients do, your surgeon can repair it at the same time.
2. A Stitch in Time
Your surgeon may recommend having fundoplication as a laparoscopic procedure, sometimes called keyhole surgery. This is a minimally invasive surgical technique which only needs a few stitches, sometimes as few as five. You will have a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery. Most GERD patients can have laparoscopic surgery, but if you have had previous abdominal surgery, you surgeon may prefer traditional open surgery. You also need to know that some patients who start laparoscopic surgery actually need to be converted to open surgery while under anesthesia. Make sure your physician explains this fully.
3. GERD Gone
Surgery for GERD, whether traditional or laparoscopic, is quite successful. More than 90 percent of patients who have the surgery find themselves completely cured and free of acid reflux. The surgery can also stop asthma and respiratory symptoms caused by GERD.
4. If You Don't Want Surgery
There are also two endoscopic devices which your health care provider may recommend in lieu of open or laparoscopic surgery. The Bard EndoCinch puts tiny stitches into your lower esophageal sphincter. With the Stretta system, the doctors uses electrodes to make small cuts on the lower esophageal sphincter. When the cut heal, there will be scar tissue. Researchers believe this scar tissue can help toughen the esophageal sphincter, and make it more resistant to acid reflux.
