ACID REFLUX SURGERY

WHAT IS ACID REFLUX.

Acid reflux, GERD, is a extremely common condition associated with reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus and larynx. When that happens the irritation of the acids produce irritation and inflammation of the mucosa of the esophagus producing symptoms as burning, heartburn, pain, hoarseness, etc’ These complaints could be mild or very severe necessitating medical intervention.

CAUSES

There are many reasons for having Reflux which includes : Obesity, alcohol. Heavy and spicy foods, smoking and HIATAL HERNIA. Hiatal hernia occurred on more than 50% of cases of GERD. Morbid obesity patients are a higher risk to develop Hiatal Hernia’

HIATAL HERNIA

In the Hiatal Hernia part of the stomach move up to the chest through a normal occurring hole in the Diaphragm muscle called Hiatus. when that happens the acid in the stomach flows freely into the chest producing a myriad of symptoms like pain, acid reflux with heartburn, difficulty to swallow hoarseness, vomiting , chest pains, and pneumonia when the gastric contents reach the lung. Reflux also can produce Barret,s disease, when the severe acid induced inflammation of the esophagus produces a premalignant lesion that can evolve into cancer.

TREATMENT

Acid reflux treatment will depend of the severity of symptoms and associated problems like Hiatal Hernia or Barret’s esophagitis.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

includes dietary modifications, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and spice foods and medications like antacids, PPI’s, and H2 acid blockers. GERD is the most common cause of repair of hiatal hernias.

TYPES OF SURGERIES

– Fundoplication, like Nissan’s, Tupet’s (partial gastroplasty)
– Linx ring
– Roux N Y Gastric bypass ( in morbidly obese patients )

Advantages of the Surgery is the rapid resolution of GERD, more than 80% success rate. With modern robotic and minimally invasive techniques surgery is very safe with fewer complications and most of the time outpatient with fast recovery.