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.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
The operation may be performed using one of several techniques. The types are broadly classified into open and minimally invasive methods. The open technique is preferred when the patient is either overweight or if they have an abnormally short esophagus. The sphincter in this case is approached through the chest or the abdomen. Minimally invasive techniques include laparoscopic surgery.
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 needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
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.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
The operation may be performed using one of several techniques. The types are broadly classified into open and minimally invasive methods. The open technique is preferred when the patient is either overweight or if they have an abnormally short esophagus. The sphincter in this case is approached through the chest or the abdomen. Minimally invasive techniques include laparoscopic surgery.
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 needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
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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