If you have had acid reflux for a long time or just want to stop the pain and you can afford it, surgery of GERD may be appropriate for you. However, any type of surgery, surgery for GERD is the last resort of every doctor. There are several methods of dealing with acid reflux or prevent Barrett's esophagus with GERD surgery. There have been studies that have shown that some patients with GERD surgery may find the need to re-use of antireflux medications.
More than one million of GERD patients are not able to solve their health problems with medical therapy alone acid reflux. Most often these people can be helped a bit 'with GERD surgery. Candidates for surgery for GERD are those with a chronic cough that you can not do that with any type of medical care, those with inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and children who are unable to maintain or raise a normal weight . Surgery for GERD is also for those who are completely relieved with medication, but do not want to keep taking the drug for a long time.
There are several surgical procedures, one is called Nissen fundoplication. In this surgery, GERD, the bottom (body) of the stomach is wrapped around the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) for two main purposes. This adds enough pressure on the LES to prevent acid reflux, while food and fluids to pass through. Also to find and repair any hiatal hernia. There are two types of this surgery for GERD. One is an open and laparoscopic surgery is closed. This intervention has proven useful in aiding digestion and elimination of acid reflux in some patients, while others may need anti-reflux medications and some can submit new digestive symptoms. With GERD open fundoplication surgery, the patient will spend 6-10 days in the hospital for recovery.
Laparoscopic surgery for GERD is safe even for infants and young children. This is due to the fact that it is open (which requires a large incision) and a faster recovery with fewer complications than any open GERD surgery that can infect other problems that may occur with any surgery.
Not everyone is a good candidate for this surgery GERD. This intervention GERD is for those who are pregnant, have no history of coagulation problems, other medical problems such as asthma or other medical conditions, have not had previous abdominal surgery, most of the symptoms of GERD, while in bed. This intervention GERD is also for those who do not have the complications of GERD and hiatal hernia, which (if any) are small.
Surgery for GERD is a serious step and should take into account all the possible side effects and complications. GERD surgery is a way to prevent Barrett's esophagus and live a normal life.