Things A Patient Needs To Know About GERD Surgery

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that is colloquially known as heartburn. This is a complication that occurs when the acid in the stomach washes up the oesophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Many people have GERD or heartburn quite frequently. However, that does not mean they need GERD surgery. The call for GERD surgery is on the doctor. The doctor needs to decide if the GERD condition is severe enough to warrant a surgery.

Why Does GERD Occur?

GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) ceases to work properly. At the base of your oesophagus, there is a set of sphincters that prevents food from washing back up. When this set of sphincters ceases to work properly stomach acid washes back into the tube causing undigested food to reach the back of the throat. Surgeons attempt to bolster the effect of the sphincters by wrapping a part of the stomach around the oesophagus.

What’s the Treatment Option for GERD?

Typically, GERD goes away with lifestyle changes and medicines. However, in the rare case where the LES valves do not work properly, your doctor may inform you that surgery might be the only option. So try lifestyle changes, try medication and then, based on the doctor’s advice, opt for surgery.

What is fundoplication?

Fundoplication or Nissen fundoplication is the name given to the GERD surgery. This surgery involves taking the upper part of the stomach and wrapping it around the oesophagus to strengthen the LES present there. Making the LES valves stronger means that there is no chance of a backwash of acid from the stomach.

Is laparoscopic surgery available for GERD?

Yes, the safest way to do GERD surgery is through laparoscopy. This involves making a few cuts in the abdomen and then taking a look at the interior of the stomach through a laparoscope device. Other instruments are inserted into the abdomen with the help of small cuts. Laparoscopic surgery means fewer incisions and lesser blood loss when compared to open surgery.

Who cannot have laparoscopic surgery?

Those who are very overweight cannot have laparoscopic surgery. Also, if there is a scar tissue from a previous surgery and if the surgeon cannot see clearly from the laparoscope, then there is a need to opt for open surgery. 

Sometimes the surgeon may switch to open surgery if they so decide. So, this is a call your surgeon has to take. The surgeon may know this only after he begins the procedure.

Conclusion

GERD surgery is required in the extreme case. Patients will be under general anaesthesia during the surgery, so there is not likely to be much pain. Patients will also take pain medication so that they do not have to suffer post surgery. 

Doctors may prescribe antacids and other medication after the surgery. Diet is also something that your doctor, or caregiver will have to check out. Patients will need to stay in touch with the surgeon for some weeks after the surgery.