Who Needs Acid Reflux Surgery

Acid reflux is a condition where, the stomach contents flow into the esophagus from the stomach and this is due to the weakening of the esophageal sphincter. There are different stages in acid reflux and different classes of medications are present to treat them. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, surgery is recommended as an option. People who take a lot of proton pump inhibitors or PPI’s at least twice or thrice a day need to opt for acid reflux surgery.

People who have complications related to acid reflux such as esophageal complications which include conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus and bronchial complications such as asthma and respiratory problems can go in for surgery. The surgery that is needed to treat extensive acid reflux is known as fundoplication. The main reason this procedure is performed is to increase the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter which can prevent acid reflux from happening and also to treat hiatal hernia. The surgery can be done in two ways: Open Nissen fundoplication and Laparoscopic fundoplication.

The results of both these procedures are very similar and people who have undergone these procedures have experienced a lot of relief from acid reflux and have not encountered it to a great extent. These procedures not only relieve the person of acid reflux but they also eliminate the side-effects of acid reflux such as respiratory problems. Patients who suffer from esophagitis, strictures and weight problems are recommended to go in for fundoplication. During this procedure, the upper part of the stomach is tied along the lower part of the esophagus and is securely fastened below the diaphragm. This procedure strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter that allows and closes its passage to the stomach and creates a flat valve at the beginning of the stomach.

The valve remains inflated as long as the stomach is full and superimposition of factors such as esophageal muscle and diaphragm is done to obtain a good result. At least 90% of the people who have undergone acid reflux surgery have shown good results and reduced symptoms of acid reflux. With the help of a laproscope, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and performs the operations. The entire procedure is painless and recovery usually takes some time. The procedure is proven to be effective in the long run and has a satisfaction rate of 96%.

Usually the gastroentologist and the surgeon work hand in hand during the acid reflux surgery and give the patient the recommended options. The tests that are done before the surgery include endoscopy, esophageal and sphincter manometry, contrast radiography and -hour esophageal pH monitoring. These tests can provide us with a clear picture about how the conditions are related to acid reflux and the need of a surgery. The complications due to a surgery are very low with the risk factor being 2-4%. Thus, people suffering from acid reflux on a regular basis need to contact a doctor and discuss their surgery options for best results.