Gastroesophageal reflux disease (also referred to as GERD) is a fairly common condition. Among the common symptoms are abdominal discomfort particularly in the epigastric region, indigestion, and regurgitation of stomach contents back to the esophagus. Hiatal hernia (an opening in the diaphragm in which organs protrude) is also a possible cause of reflux disease. Surgery is used when medications fail to provide relief. There are a number of things on reflux surgery Tx residents need to know.
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.
It is necessary to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the operation. The first step is to be evaluated by a doctor on the need to have this operation. The doctor should also determine whether one is fit enough to be operated on. A full blood count and kidney function tests are among the tests that may have to be performed. In case one is on blood thinning medication, the drugs may have to be continued for some time.
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.
When the laparoscopic technique is used, three ports of entry have to be created in the abdominal wall. The ports are used for the insertion of instruments and a camera. The camera helps to capture the images from the surgical field and projects them onto a monitor. The ports of entry that are used are significantly smaller than those that are used in the open procedure. The side effects associated with laparoscopy are fewer.
The recovery period required is largely dependent on the method that is employed. The open technique is performed through large incisions hence requires that one remains hospitalized for a number of days before being allowed home for full recovery. Smaller incisions are require in the case of laparoscopic surgery and as such less time is needed for recovery. On average, patients require 2 to 3 weeks to resume normal routine.
Some dietary modification may be necessary after the procedure. The general recommendation is that one should take soft foods for a few weeks as healing takes place. Ensure that the food is taken in small quantities and chewed thoroughly so that it can pass through the esophagus with ease. Another important precaution is to avoid strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
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.
It is necessary to undergo adequate preparation before undergoing the operation. The first step is to be evaluated by a doctor on the need to have this operation. The doctor should also determine whether one is fit enough to be operated on. A full blood count and kidney function tests are among the tests that may have to be performed. In case one is on blood thinning medication, the drugs may have to be continued for some time.
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.
When the laparoscopic technique is used, three ports of entry have to be created in the abdominal wall. The ports are used for the insertion of instruments and a camera. The camera helps to capture the images from the surgical field and projects them onto a monitor. The ports of entry that are used are significantly smaller than those that are used in the open procedure. The side effects associated with laparoscopy are fewer.
The recovery period required is largely dependent on the method that is employed. The open technique is performed through large incisions hence requires that one remains hospitalized for a number of days before being allowed home for full recovery. Smaller incisions are require in the case of laparoscopic surgery and as such less time is needed for recovery. On average, patients require 2 to 3 weeks to resume normal routine.
Some dietary modification may be necessary after the procedure. The general recommendation is that one should take soft foods for a few weeks as healing takes place. Ensure that the food is taken in small quantities and chewed thoroughly so that it can pass through the esophagus with ease. Another important precaution is to avoid strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
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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