Procedure for Long-Term Relief for Acid Reflux

Posted by Aric Scott on February 28th, 2018

Over 61 million Americans have heartburn every month. For most people, taking over-the-counter medications tends to offer relief. However, other individuals struggle with severe heartburn (GERD) a daily basis. When drug therapy doesn’t seem to work, a surgical procedure may be needed to help.

If you experience heartburn at least twice a week, you could have acid reflux, also known as GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). While heartburn is the main symptom, other accompanying symptoms are:

•    Persistent cough
•    Frequent swallowing
•    Constant clearing of the throat
•    Sore throat or hoarseness
•    Asthma
•    Regurgitation
•    Discomfort or pain in your chest
•    Burning sensation the throat or mouth
•    Yellowish liquid or stain on the pillow after waking up
•    Bloating

Usually, acid reflux symptoms won’t last for more than two hours. Approximately 20 percent of individuals with acid reflux will end up with GERD. Medications may help control GERD, but if medications no longer work or you’d like to avoid using them long-term, your doctor might suggest surgery.

The major cause of GERD is the improper mechanical functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), Usually, LES is at the junction between the stomach and esophagus, and it acts as a valve. When working correctly, the valve opens to allow food passage when swallowing, and closes up so stomach contents don’t flow back.

Many lifestyle or behavioural factors may weaken LES or its supporting structures. The factors include:

•    Smoking
•    A high fat diet
•    Alcohol use
•    Obesity
•    Drinking carbonated drinks

To treat GERD, your doctor may first suggest you use some medications – acid reducing medications including proton pump inhibitors (PPI), and adopt lifestyle changes. The latter includes stopping the acid reflux triggers mentioned above.

If you have used medications for over two weeks without seeing any improvement, you should inform your physician. The physician may recommend surgery for GERD, which involves using a device known as EsophyX to reinforce the lower sphincter muscle to prevent backflow of gastric contents to the esophagus. The procedure is known as Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF), and it has the following benefits:

•    No incisions on the external skin hence no scarring
•    Fewer complications
•    Can be revised if necessary
•    No internal dissection of the body, which means rapid recovery
•    Doesn’t hinder future treatment options

TIF takes less than an hour and the doctor usually administers general anesthesia beforehand. Most patients usually go home the next day, and can resume normal activity after a few days.

About Author
Abdominal Surgery Specialists, a part of the Nicholson Clinic, is led by Dr. Nick Nicholson, one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons in the country.