Acid reflux is a common condition. Even if you go many years without suffering from it, many folks end up dealing with it at some point or another. Often, acid reflux can be managed with Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications. Sometimes, however, surgery and other advanced treatments are needed. Anyone who lives near Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL should consider robotic surgery to address acid reflux at the Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute.
Surgery is not always needed to treat acid reflux. However, many people who struggle to find relief with medications or have trouble managing lifestyle changes, like skipping favorite foods, often find that surgery provides the surest relief.
Why Is Surgery Needed to Treat Acid Reflux?
The occasional bout of acid reflex typically isn’t a big deal. Acid reflux, by the way, is sometimes referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short. So if you see GERD mentioned, just remember that it’s referring to acid reflux.
Small adjustments, say avoiding certain foods that seem to cause GERD, can provide relief. Likewise, an OTC antacid is often enough to mitigate mild acid reflux when it does occur.
If these steps for controlling acid reflux aren’t working, it may be due to structural issues with the stomach or Lower Esophageal Sphincter, which is the muscle that typically prevents stomach content from flowing up and into your throat. If stomach acid gets in your throat, it can cause immense pain.
If acid reflux is proving hard to manage and is occurring on a frequent basis, it’s possible that strengthening or repairing the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or otherwise reshaping the stomach may provide relief. For example, the upper parts of the stomach might be wrapped around the esophagus.
Not sure if anti-reflux surgery is right for you? If you have questions or concerns, it’s smart to talk them through with a doctor. Residents living around Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL may benefit from robotic surgery performed at the Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute. Before surgery comes into play, patients can first discuss options with our doctors.
What is Robotic Acid-Reflux Surgery?
While surgeons are still in charge, robots can be used to provide steady hands. Robotic surgery often allows surgeons to reach hard-to-reach places, say in your stomach or neck. Cameras are frequently used to give the surgeon a perfect view. In some cases, fewer or smaller incisions are needed. Robotic surgery can also be easier on the body, which results in quicker recovery times.
Acid reflux can crimp your quality of life but treatment can help. Interested in robotic surgery and live near Berwyn, La Grange, and Elmhurst, IL? Feel free to reach out to the Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute. Dial (708) 484-0621 to start the conversation.