Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is a condition in which stomach juices move up the esophagus from time to time. This causes a burning effect, difficulty in swallowing and occasionally, abdominal pains. A hernia in the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) is a well-known cause of the problem. Initial management involves lifestyle changes and the use of medication but surgery becomes a necessity if a response is not seen. Before undergoing reflux surgery Tx residents need to know several things beforehand.
The surgery is medically termed fundoplication. The main procedure here is to wrap the upper stomach portion around the lower part of the stomach and to sew it in a manner that secure it. When this is done, a small tunnel is created. The esophagus passes through this tunnel before eventually joining up with the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is thus reinforced and the probability of regurgitation significantly reduced.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
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 time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
While the majority of people experience remarkable improvement after the operation, others have only minimal benefits. In such cases, there may be a need to continue with the use of antacid medication. Another operation may be needed for some patients after a number of years. Reports of new or worsening symptoms have been reported among some patients undergoing the operation. Such may include difficulty in swallowing, flatulence and increased belching among others.
The surgery is medically termed fundoplication. The main procedure here is to wrap the upper stomach portion around the lower part of the stomach and to sew it in a manner that secure it. When this is done, a small tunnel is created. The esophagus passes through this tunnel before eventually joining up with the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter is thus reinforced and the probability of regurgitation significantly reduced.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
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 time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
While the majority of people experience remarkable improvement after the operation, others have only minimal benefits. In such cases, there may be a need to continue with the use of antacid medication. Another operation may be needed for some patients after a number of years. Reports of new or worsening symptoms have been reported among some patients undergoing the operation. Such may include difficulty in swallowing, flatulence and increased belching among others.
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