Anti-Reflux Procedures and Treatments

Heartburn, or the harsh, burning sensation that many people occasionally feel between the ribs or just below the neck, is often a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Individuals with GERD have heartburn caused by stomach acids that begin to back up into the esophagus. These stomach acids can irritate and inflame the esophagus, causing heartburn and eventually even damaging the lining of the esophagus itself.

• Approximately 40% of the US population experiences acid reflux symptoms
• Approximately 40% of GERD patients experience symptoms despite taking medications
• Acid reflux can lead to more serious problems
• Long-term use of antacid medications can have serious side effects such as bone fractures, low magnesium levels, gastric polyps, and more
• Untreated or uncontrolled GERD can be a risk factor for cancer

Heartburn is an unpleasant thing for anyone to experience. If you find yourself suffering from frequent heartburn, Dr. Keshavarzi typically recommends that you first see if making adjustments to your lifestyle can help relieve your discomfort. Often, changes in diet, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption can reduce heartburn symptoms.

For patients whose symptoms persist despite these lifestyle adjustments, Dr. Keshavarzi recommends undergoing a minimally-invasive anti-reflux procedure. When left unresolved, the heartburn caused by GERD can begin to damage the inner lining of the esophagus. Over time, this damage structurally changes the cells that line the lower esophagus. These structural changes can increase an individual’s chances of developing cancer of the esophagus.

While there are a number of oral medications that can be used to control heartburn symptoms, these are never a permanent solution to the problem; once patients stop taking these medications, their heartburn symptoms will quickly return. Minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery can permanently address GERD symptoms, eliminating heartburn for life after a single minimally invasive procedure. If you are interested in a lasting solution to heartburn, GERD, or reflux symptoms, the anti-reflux surgery offered at Surgical Associates of South Florida may be the right choice for you!

Our treatment uses the daVinci® surgical robot to guarantee minimal scarring and downtime. At use Surgical Associates of South Florida, we use the latest surgical technology and all our procedures are performed at state of art facilities in the South Miami area.

The following procedures are offered at SASF:

• LINX™ – the latest advancement in the field of GERD treatment
• Fundoplication – the traditional time proven method
• Hiatal Hernia Repair – often needed for complete treatment
• Diagnostic EsophaGogastroDuodenoscopy (EGD) – for high definition, diagnostic evaluation of the upper GI tract

At Surgical Associates of South Florida, we strive to make high-quality, comprehensive patient care our number one priority. For anti-reflux procedures, Dr. Keshavarzi, a board-certified surgeon, uses the latest techniques that guarantee shorter recovery times and improve patient comfort than any other method available today. Doctor Keshavarzi has helped countless patients resolve their GERD with laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures — why not let him help you, too?

If you’re looking for a practice in the South Miami area that offers concierge-based, patient-centered care, look no further than Surgical Associates of South Florida.