Acid reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD is a condition where stomach acids move back up into the esophagus, the tube that carries food into the stomach from the mouth. People with GERD often have a persistent heartburn when the stomach acid comes into contact with the inner lining of their esophagus. They have a taste of acid in the back of their mouth, and their mouth may burn. Some people even feel like they have food stuck in their throat. The condition happens because the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close all the way. This lets the contents of the stomach backwash into the esophagus. The time proven acid reflux treatment is fundoplication.
Treating Acid Reflux
We treat their patients conservatively if they have acid reflux disease. We may prescribe medications, and recommend changes in their lifestyle. This may include the patient quitting smoking if they smoke and changing their diet. It may even be as simple as sleeping with their head raised or wearing looser clothing. If these more conservative methods don’t work, the doctor and patient may opt for an acid reflux treatment called fundoplication.
Even patients who get relief from anti-GERD drugs may opt for the surgery because they do not wish to take drugs for years or have troubling side effects.
What Is Fundoplication?
In fundoplication the upper part of the stomach, called the fundus, is actually wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus and sutured in place. This forces the lower esophageal sphincter to close. This acid reflux treatment is sometimes offered with hiatal hernia repair, if necessary.
How Fundoplication Is Performed
Fundoplication is almost always done laparoscopically. Our surgeon is guided by a tiny camera that is inserted during the procedure. This camera communicates with a monitor that guides the doctor. Fundoplication is an inpatient procedure, and the patient may spend a couple of nights in the hospital.
Recovery
Recovery from fundoplication surgery may take months, though people who’ve had laparoscopic surgery can usually go back to work after a matter of weeks. The patient will be on a liquid or soft diet for the first week before they start to take many small meals a day. The great majority of people who have fundoplication, especially Nissan fundoplication, find symptoms of their GRTF greatly relieved.
Contact Our Doctor
If you suffer from heartburn and often have a feeling that your food is returning on you, you might have GERD, and you may benefit from acid reflux treatment at Surgical Associates of South Florida. We are conveniently located in Miami, FL. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out if fundoplication is right for you!
