ANTI-REFLUX SURGERY (Laparoscopic Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia repair)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition where stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe (esophagus). This causes discomfort like heartburn, a burning-type pain and pressure behind the breastbone in the center of the chest. Some other symptoms of stomach acid reflux are nausea, regurgitation of food, a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, sore throat, trouble swallowing, chest pain, a dry cough, and abnormal voice changes.
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Two conditions can predispose individuals to GERD: a weakened esophageal muscle, which causes the lower esophageal sphincter to be impaired, and a hiatal hernia, wherein part of the stomach protrudes into the chest through the diaphragm. Large hiatal hernias might require surgery to rectify the issue, as they are often resistant to medical treatments.
Surgery can be used to address underlying issues that may be causing acid reflux. Through a minimally invasive approach, a surgeon can correct a hiatal hernia by putting the stomach back into place in the abdomen, as well as perform a procedure called fundoplication to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and reduce the chances of acid reflux.
Patients may have to spend 1-2 days in the hospital following the surgery and an additional 2-4 weeks recovering at home. People with GERD who have not responded well to medical therapy, or have atypical symptoms such as asthma, persistent cough, or laryngitis, are at higher risk of a poor surgical outcome due to potential underlying issues unresponsive to treatment.
