When is reflux surgery necessary?

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux. This condition causes the acids in your stomach to back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation between your ribs or just below your neck. The acids can rise as far as your throat. It can also cause other symptoms like:

• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic wheezing
• Chronic coughing

If lifestyle changes and medications haven’t provided the relief you need, you might need reflux surgery to control your symptoms.

Am I a candidate for reflux surgery?

Before considering reflux surgery, your doctor at One Surgical Specialists works with you on making changes to your diet. They might also recommend that you lose weight, quit smoking, and reduce or eliminate drinking alcohol.

If your symptoms continue, they could recommend over-the-counter antacids to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. Prescription drugs can help heal the irritation in your esophagus.

If your symptoms continue, you could be a candidate for reflux surgery. 

What is involved with reflux surgery?

The qualified One Surgical Specialists team offers robotic surgery, with its many advantages compared to open surgery. It provides faster recovery, minimal scarring, and reduced pain.

To do your surgery, your surgeon makes small incisions into your abdomen. The surgeon inserts a tubelike medical instrument that has a camera on its end. The camera sends a signal to a video monitor that your surgeon watches.

As your surgeon inflates your abdomen with gas, they can see an internal view of your organs to do your surgery. They wrap the upper part of your stomach around the lowest part of your esophagus to reinforce the valve between them.

What should I expect after reflux surgery?

After your surgery, your surgeon works with you to change your diet, including mostly liquids and smooth-textured foods. You should also keep your activity to a minimum until you’re fully healed.

Don’t miss your follow-up appointment two weeks after your procedure. Your doctor can monitor your healing and the success of your surgery. After your surgery, you should experience a significant reduction in your symptoms or their complete elimination.

To learn more about reflux surgery and find out if it’s right for you, call One Surgical Specialists today or book your appointment online.