Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the sphincter muscle at the bottom of your esophagus fails to close tightly due to damage or weakness. As a result, you get food and stomach acid regurgitating into your esophagus.
If you have GERD, you know all too well how irritating and painful this experience can be. You endure inflammation as a result of the regurgitation, which causes burning chest pain and leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
When noninvasive therapies fail to resolve, or at least lessen, your symptoms of GERD, you may consider therapy. Take a moment to explore what you can try first and then determine if you should consider Nissen fundoplication, or laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, or hiatal hernia surgery.
Who might consider surgery?
Dr. Dyslin works with you to resolve GERD with noninvasive strategies before even considering you for surgery. He may recommend antacids or prescribe medications to reduce acid in the stomach.
Other interventions involve your lifestyle. He recommends you quit smoking, lose excess weight, and eat smaller meals. Avoid tight clothing, especially types that bind your waist.
You also want to avoid acidic foods that irritate your esophageal lining. These include caffeine, tomatoes, high-fat foods, spicy foods, and mint. You may try to avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after a meal. Elevating your pillow by about six inches at bedtime can also relieve some cases of GERD.
If these treatment strategies fail, you may consider surgery. When symptoms become more frustrating than heartburn, you’re likely to need relief. GERD can cause bloating, vomiting, uncomfortable burping, unrelenting hiccups, nausea, and a chronic sore throat and/or cough.
Why resolve acid reflux?
Gone untreated, chronic GERD can cause esophagitis, characterized by ulcers and internal erosion of the esophagus. You may develop bleeding or scar tissue, which permanently impairs your ability to eat or drink.
What is anti-reflux surgery?
During laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, Dr. Dyslin creates an effective valve mechanism at the bottom of the esophagus. He either uses your stomach muscle or places a ring or other type of artificial valve to keep your acid tamped down into the stomach.
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive and usually carries a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery.
Hiatal hernia surgery repositions your stomach if it threatens to push through your chest cavity. This hernia aggravates GERD because it prevents your diaphragm from keeping acid in the stomach, and it bubbles up your esophagus to cause heartburn.
Who is the best candidate?
The best candidates for laparoscopic anti-reflux surgeries have not had prior abdominal surgery, or they have small hiatal hernias. You may also benefit most if your GERD symptoms are prevalent when you’re lying down.
If you have chronic GERD that interferes with your daily life and enjoyment, call Trinity Bariatric Institute. We seek to help men and women in the Fort Worth area overcome digestive distress and lose weight with bariatric surgeries.
For more about acid reflux surgery or other options for GERD treatment, call our office or schedule an appointment using the online tool.