Gastroesophageal reflux disease (also referred to as GERD) is a fairly common condition. Among the common symptoms are abdominal discomfort particularly in the epigastric region, indigestion, and regurgitation of stomach contents back to the esophagus. Hiatal hernia (an opening in the diaphragm in which organs protrude) is also a possible cause of reflux disease. Surgery is used when medications fail to provide relief. There are a number of things on reflux surgery Tx residents need to know.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
As is custom for all major operations, potential candidates have to be adequately prepared. The first step in the preparation process if to be thoroughly evaluated by the doctor so as to determine whether the operation will indeed be beneficial. A number of blood tests are sometimes necessary. They include, for instance, renal function tests and a full blood count. For a patient that is on blood thinners, the same may have to be stopped temporarily.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
When the laparoscopic technique is used, three ports of entry have to be created in the abdominal wall. The ports are used for the insertion of instruments and a camera. The camera helps to capture the images from the surgical field and projects them onto a monitor. The ports of entry that are used are significantly smaller than those that are used in the open procedure. The side effects associated with laparoscopy are fewer.
The time needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
Some dietary modification may be necessary after the procedure. The general recommendation is that one should take soft foods for a few weeks as healing takes place. Ensure that the food is taken in small quantities and chewed thoroughly so that it can pass through the esophagus with ease. Another important precaution is to avoid strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
As is custom for all major operations, potential candidates have to be adequately prepared. The first step in the preparation process if to be thoroughly evaluated by the doctor so as to determine whether the operation will indeed be beneficial. A number of blood tests are sometimes necessary. They include, for instance, renal function tests and a full blood count. For a patient that is on blood thinners, the same may have to be stopped temporarily.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
When the laparoscopic technique is used, three ports of entry have to be created in the abdominal wall. The ports are used for the insertion of instruments and a camera. The camera helps to capture the images from the surgical field and projects them onto a monitor. The ports of entry that are used are significantly smaller than those that are used in the open procedure. The side effects associated with laparoscopy are fewer.
The time needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
Some dietary modification may be necessary after the procedure. The general recommendation is that one should take soft foods for a few weeks as healing takes place. Ensure that the food is taken in small quantities and chewed thoroughly so that it can pass through the esophagus with ease. Another important precaution is to avoid strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
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