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.
As is custom for all major operations, potential candidates have to be adequately prepared. The first step in the preparation process if to be thoroughly evaluated by the doctor so as to determine whether the operation will indeed be beneficial. A number of blood tests are sometimes necessary. They include, for instance, renal function tests and a full blood count. For a patient that is on blood thinners, the same may have to be stopped temporarily.
There are several approaches that can be adopted by the surgeon when performing this procedure. Broadly, they are divided into open procedures and minimally invasive techniques. Ensure that you discuss these options with your doctor before signing up for the procedure. When using the open approach, the surgeon may either access the area of interest through the chest or through the abdomen. The former is chosen when the patient is overweight or has a very short esophagus.
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 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.
As is custom for all major operations, potential candidates have to be adequately prepared. The first step in the preparation process if to be thoroughly evaluated by the doctor so as to determine whether the operation will indeed be beneficial. A number of blood tests are sometimes necessary. They include, for instance, renal function tests and a full blood count. For a patient that is on blood thinners, the same may have to be stopped temporarily.
There are several approaches that can be adopted by the surgeon when performing this procedure. Broadly, they are divided into open procedures and minimally invasive techniques. Ensure that you discuss these options with your doctor before signing up for the procedure. When using the open approach, the surgeon may either access the area of interest through the chest or through the abdomen. The former is chosen when the patient is overweight or has a very short esophagus.
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 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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Find a list of the advantages of undergoing reflux surgery TX area and more info about a reliable surgeon at http://www.ataahmadmd.com/acid-reflux-surgery-houston-texas today.
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