Acid Reflux Surgery
Anti-reflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, is a procedure designed to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.
This acid reflux can cause uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and can potentially lead to more serious complications if left untreated. If lifestyle changes and medications have not successfully managed your GORD symptoms, Mr Allenby-Smith may discuss anti-reflux surgery as a solution.
Understanding GORD and Why Surgery Might Be Needed
GORD occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) (a ring of muscle at the bottom of your oesophagus) fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to escape into the oesophagus. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, damage to the oesophageal lining, other complications such as strictures and rarely Barrett’s oesophagus.
While medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and lifestyle changes (such as diet modifications and weight loss) can help manage GORD, they don’t work for everyone. Additionally, some patients may prefer to avoid long-term medication use due to potential side effects or may experience breakthrough symptoms despite treatment. In such cases, anti-reflux surgery may be considered.
What is Anti-Reflux Surgery?
The most common type of anti-reflux surgery is laparoscopic fundoplication. During this procedure, the surgeon wraps the top part of your stomach (the fundus) around the lower oesophagus. This creates a new valve mechanism that strengthens the LOS, preventing acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. The surgery can be performed using either traditional open surgery or, more commonly, laparoscopic surgery.
The Benefits of Anti-Reflux Surgery
Anti-reflux surgery aims to provide long-term relief from GORD symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation and can reduce or eliminate their need for GORD medications.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery from anti-reflux surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and individual factors, but this is a general overview:
Hospital Stay
Following laparoscopic surgery, you can typically go home within a day or two.
Pain Management
Some pain and discomfort are normal after surgery, especially around the incision sites. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help manage this.
Diet
You’ll likely start with a liquid or soft diet immediately after surgery and gradually progress to more solid foods as your recovery advances.
Activity Level
You’ll be encouraged to walk and move around soon after surgery to promote healing and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, you should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, and intense exercise for several weeks.
Life After Anti-Reflux Surgery
Most patients find that their GORD symptoms improve significantly after surgery. While some may still need to take acid-reducing medications, the majority can reduce or eliminate them. You may also experience some changes in swallowing or mild bloating after the procedure, but these typically improve over time.
Anti-reflux surgery is a highly effective treatment option for patients with GORD who have not found relief through other means. By addressing the root cause of acid reflux, this surgery can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term complications. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, The hospital team is there to support you and ensure you understand each step of the process.
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