Types of Anti-Reflux Surgery: Fundoplication and More
If you suffer from acid reflux, you already know how uncomfortable it can be. The constant heartburn can keep you from enjoying the foods you love. Anti-reflux surgeries available from your metabolic surgeon can help.
The surgeons at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute offer several surgical treatment options to help you get relief from acid reflux. They have two convenient office locations in Elmhurst, and Hinsdale, IL, to help you.
What You Need to Know about Anti-Reflux Surgeries
Acid reflux is caused by poor function of the sphincter muscle which separates your esophagus from your stomach. This sphincter muscle keeps stomach acid from flowing back from your stomach into your throat. When you have acid reflux, it means the sphincter is only partially closing, allowing stomach acid to back up into your throat.
Acid reflux can also develop into a chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. If left untreated, GERD can cause esophageal damage and in severe cases, esophageal cancer.
Anti-reflux surgery is a permanent solution to relieving acid reflux. The most common type of anti-reflux surgery is fundoplication. Fundoplication surgery involves wrapping the upper section of your stomach around the end of the esophagus, and securing it with stitches. The pressure at the end of the esophagus prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Fundoplication surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take 2 to 3 hours. This type of surgery can be accomplished using different techniques. Your surgeon may recommend:
An open repair, which requires a surgical incision into your belly. A tube is inserted into the stomach to keep the stomach wall in place. The tube is removed in about one week.
A laparoscopic repair, which requires 3 to 5 small incisions in your belly. A tube with a camera attached to the end is inserted into one of the incisions. A laparoscope is inserted into one of the other incisions. The laparoscope connects to a monitor. The surgeon performs surgery while viewing your stomach on the monitor.
An endoluminal fundoplication, which doesn’t require incisions. Surgery is performed with an endoscope which is inserted in your mouth and guided down into the esophagus. Small clips are placed between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.
Want to Know More?
To learn more about anti-reflux surgery and how it can help you, call the surgeons at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute. You can reach the surgeons in Hinsdale and Elmhurst, IL, by calling (708) 484-0621, so call today.