PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
Antireflux surgery is a treatment for acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). The esophagus is the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. GERD is a condition in which food or gastric acid is returned from the stomach into the esophagus.
Reflux often occurs if the muscles where the esophagus joins the stomach do not close sufficiently firmly and produce a hiatal hernia, which may make GERD symptoms worse. This occurs when the stomach rises through this opening into the chest.
BENEFITS
- Abdominal incisions are minimized.
- The discomfort for the patient is minimal.
- The period of postoperative stay in general is maximum one day.
- The post-operative feeding is immediate (starting the first week with a diet suggested by the doctor).
- The improvement in symptoms coming out of surgery is virtually complete.
- You can return to your work activities in 7 days.
- In most patients, they do not take medication anymore
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Although the word “heartburn” is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems, in medical terms, it is actually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this condition, the gastric acids recede from the stomach into the esophagus.
Acidity is described as a strong burning sensation in the area between your ribs or just below the neck. This sensation can radiate through the chest and up to the throat and neck. Many adults have this uncomfortable and burning sensation at least once a month, others have difficulty sleeping and need to use more than one pillow at night to prevent this acid to burn them. Other symptoms may also include vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, morning cricket and chronic cough or wheezing.
When eating, food passes from the mouth to the stomach through a tube called the esophagus. At the lower end of the esophagus is a small muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (IES). The LES works as a one-way valve, allowing food to pass into the stomach. The LES usually closes immediately after swallowing in order to keep gastric juices – which have a high acid content – from moving back into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES does not function properly and allows the acid to recede and burn the lower esophagus, in some cases, up to the pharynx. This irritates and inflames the esophagus causing the sensation of acidity, and over time may even damage the esophagus.
Some people are born with a sphincter (LES) that is naturally weak. However, for other, greasy and spicy foods, certain types of medications, tight clothing, smoking, alcoholism, strenuous exercise or changes in body position (crouching or lying down) can cause the LES to relax and reflux. One of the most common causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease is hiatal hernia, even when there might not be symptoms of acidity.
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