Surgery for GERD
As with any other problem, the treatments and drugs available for GERD are
numerous. Some of the simple treatments would be change of lifestyle
and anti-acidic medicines. Another alternative treatment for the
condition of GERD would be surgery. Surgery is usually not prescribed
at the onset of the condition. It is an option chosen when all the
other treatments and medicines are found to be ineffective. Sometimes
all the treatments given could prove to be of no use and this necessitates
the surgery. However it should be kept in mind that surgery is the
last option under consideration.
Acid reflux is treated by a surgery known as fundoplication procedure. In this
surgery very small incisions are made in the upper abdomen. A camera
and surgical instruments are passed through the incision. In fundoplication
procedure any visible hernia or hernial sac is detached. It is then
stitched back into place to reduce the pressure on the diaphragm
which is usually the cause for symptoms of acid reflux. Then the
muscle where the diaphragm meets the oesophagus is tightened. This
reduces the leakage of acid reflux and hence prevents its flow into
the oesophagus. An artificial lower oesophageal sphincter is also
created in the stomach to reduce future reflux.
Surgical procedure has found to be more effective than any other
treatment methods available. It can provide relief from symptoms
and complications that occur due to acid reflux. As many as 85%
of the patients who undergo the surgery are found to have positive
results. The surgery can keep you away from the problems for up
to 10 years.
Many patients will still need to follow medication to get relief
from the discomfort and pain either because it has not been properly
dealt with during the surgery or because the condition has returned.
This is the case with almost half of the people who go for surgery.
Most of the patients face further complications post the surgery.
The risk associated with surgery is that the food may be trapped
by the artificial muscle. This condition can be easily treated.
In rare cases another surgery may be required to open the artificial
sphincter to allow the passage of food and correct the problem.
Just like any other surgery, the surgery for acid reflux i.e. fundoplication
procedure has potential risks and side effects. Prior to undergoing
the surgery it is necessary to discuss with your surgeon the possible
complications and risks associated. You can also find out if any
alternative treatment would be better for your condition. Only when
all other options are closed, should you opt for surgery. Have a
complete talk with the surgeon as to what are the precautions you
may have to follow before and post the surgery. All these things
will help you to make an informed decision.
Acid reflux news on the Web
Anti-Hypertensive Drugs To Enhance Esophageal Contraction (Medical News Today) Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker, was shown to decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure and increase esophageal acid exposure time, while atenolol, a b1 blocker, was shown to inhibit relaxation of the smooth muscle of the esophagus. However, the influence of these anti-hypertensive drugs on the segment of esophageal body contraction using high-resolution manometry was not fully ... |
Dr. Paul Donohue: Dark beer won't prevent colon cancer (Detroit News) Dear Dr. Donohue: Several years ago, I read that dark beer prevents colon cancer. Since then, I've been drinking Guinness, one of the darkest I know of. I drink two bottles a week. Recently I read an article that said any type of beer could cause many types of cancer. Is there any truth to either? |
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