Surgery for GERD

There are a variety of treatments and medications suitable for dealing with GERD.  Along with lifestyle changes and anti-acidic medications, a possible alternative to the more simple treatments for the symptoms of GERD is surgery.  Surgery is mainly used as a last resort after all the available medications have been tried and have proven to be ineffective.  In some cases, the amount of treatment necessary to help the patient, or indeed the diversity of the mixture may render medication as an infeasible option, and give rise to the need for surgery.

The surgery for acid reflux is also known as a fundoplication procedure.  During the procedure, any visible hernia or hernial sac is removed and stitched back into place to alleviate the pressure on the diaphragm which can result in the symptoms of acid reflux.  Next, the muscle is tightened where the diaphragm meets the oesophagus to minimise leakage of acid reflux and prevent the reflux from flowing easily, before an artificial lower oesophageal sphincter is created from within the stomach to dampen future reflux.  The surgery can be conducted by way of a small incision in the upper abdomen, or through the use of a small camera and small surgical instruments, which avoids the need for any major incision or eventual scarring.

Surgery has  proven to be a particularly effective method of treating the symptoms of GERD, and any complications which it give rise to, with around 85% of all patients undergoing the procedure reporting a substantial relieving impact on their painful symptoms for up to as many as ten years.  However, many patients may still need medication for their symptoms after the GERD operation to relieve discomfort  which has not properly been dealt with by the surgery, or has returned following the procedure for whatever reason.  This is the case for as many as one half of all patients operated on, who are therefore presumed to have further complications of the condition. The main risk of complication caused by surgery arises from food becoming trapped within the new artificial muscle, although this usually subsides or is easily treated.  Only in very rare cases is there a need for further surgery to correct the problem, or to dilate the new artificial sphincter to allow the food to pass, although this is relatively straightforward procedure.

As with all medical and surgical procedures, the acid reflux surgery is no different in that it carries potential risks and side effects.  Before undergoing  surgery, it is wise to consult with your doctor or your surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure and the available alternatives.  Only if all other treatments and medications have been exhausted, or it is deemed impractical for whatever reason to continue with a curse of medication for your complaint should surgery be a consideration.  Discuss with your doctor or surgeon the procedure, and it is advisable that you ask any questions or air any concerns your have regarding the operation, its effects or possible risks at this consultation stage.

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