Gatsroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that affects patients of all ages and genders. Symptoms of this condition include, regurgitation of stomach juices into the esophagus and mouth, abdominal discomfort and dyspepsia (indigestion) among others. The underlying cause of this condition is a weak sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus that fails to restrict the movement of stomach contents. There are a number of important facts on reflux surgery Tx patients need to have.
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.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
There may be a need to have some dietary changes particularly in the first few days after the surgery. Generally, one should ensure that the food chosen is soft enough. It should ideally be eaten in small quantities after being chewed thoroughly. These precautions ensure that food can pass through the esophagus in easily and does not compromise the healing process. Extraneous physical activity should be avoided.
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.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
There may be a need to have some dietary changes particularly in the first few days after the surgery. Generally, one should ensure that the food chosen is soft enough. It should ideally be eaten in small quantities after being chewed thoroughly. These precautions ensure that food can pass through the esophagus in easily and does not compromise the healing process. Extraneous physical activity should be avoided.
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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