One in five people suffers from acid reflux, and the condition may be temporary or chronic. Temporary acid reflux can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Chronic acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more challenging to treat without proper medical support. With offices in Berwyn, IL, and Elmhurst, IL, the team of surgeons at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute offers acid reflux robotic surgery for residents of Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
A small valve at the bottom of your esophagus helps keep food in your stomach. If the valve fails to work properly, partially digested food, stomach acid, and bile escape back up your esophagus. You may feel a burning sensation in the center of your chest or the back of your throat. The acid is strong enough to erode the soft tissue of your esophagus. Over time, lesions form in the esophagus and contribute to a higher risk for esophageal cancer.
How is Chronic Acid Reflux Treated?
Medications may be prescribed to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, and you may need to make some lifestyle changes, such as avoiding foods that trigger reflux. If these approaches don’t produce the desired results, our surgeons may recommend surgery for your acid reflux.
How Does Surgery Help with Acid Reflux?
Surgery for your acid reflux aims to correct the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is the small valve between your esophagus and stomach. Depending on the nature of your condition, our surgeons may repair the sphincter or implant a small metal ring around your esophagus. The metal ring uses magnets to open and close the same as a healthy LES.
What are the Benefits of Robotic Acid Reflux Surgery?
Acid reflux robotic surgery provides patients with long-term relief, and the procedure may reduce your risk of reflux-related complications, such as lesions and esophageal cancer. Patients who have robot-assisted acid reflux surgery experience shorter recovery times and less discomfort compared to patients who undergo surgery using traditional, more invasive techniques.
To learn more about advanced acid reflux robotic surgery in the Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL, area, call Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute at (708) 484-0621. We will schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons at our office in La Grange, Elmhurst, and Berwyn, IL.