Anti Reflux Surgery – What You Need to Know

We’ve all had that burning sensation after a spicy meal or too much coffee, when it feels as if the normal workings of your body have been chucked out the window. The occasional bout of heartburn is a pretty normal thing to experience, but for some people, there is a disease for which anti-acid reflux surgery is a symptom of. If medication and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, anti-reflux surgery could be considered. But what is this procedure, and when should you have it? Learning the elements can make you feel confident if your doctor mentions it.

Reflux is, first and foremost, a mechanical problem. A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter sits between your esophagus and stomach. When that valve does not seal properly, acid in your stomach can move into your esophagus. This is what gives you that uncomfortable burning sensation of heartburn, but what is medically referred to as GERD. With time, acid erosion of your esophagus can lead to inflammation and ulcers and in rare cases, can cause an altered shape and texture of your esophagus, which is referred to as Barrett’s esophagus.

For most individuals, these steps help get reflux back under control. But some people need to take medicine on a regular, nearly constant, basis. If, despite following these steps, your symptoms persist for several weeks or return with regularity, it’s time to talk with your doctor about what might be going on. If you’ve been prescribed medication to control your symptoms and you still keep waking up to hear yourself wheezing or the meds cause undesirable side effects, that you really should get yourself evaluated. And that evaluation might need to include an honest conversation about the potential benefits of anti reflux surgery as well as its risks. It’s also an option for people who have related complications from GERD, such as narrowing of the esophagus, or for those who have developed respiratory problems from chronic aspiration. For not everyone is the first choice a surgical one, but for those who do, it can be a permanent solution.

The most popular anti-reflux procedure is known as a fundoplication. Here, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus during surgery. This reinforces lower esophageal sphincter and stops acid from coming upward. The surgery is typically performed laparoscopically — that is, through tiny incisions, with less pain and a shorter recovery. Some more recent surgeries include implanting a ring of magnetic beads around the lower end of the esophagus, the LINX device, and the gate-like Fundo — these prevent reflux in one direction, but allow it through in the other — some of the newer procedures, and keep the sphincter closed without disturbing swallowing.

This surgery is usually done by a gastrointestinal surgeon who has experience with the upper digestive tract. Some general surgeons also are trained in this area and have experience with laparoscopic or robotic techniques. If you are already considering acting on that irritation, ask your doctor for a referral to a surgeon with a strong record on reflux procedures. You might also speak with a gastroenterologist.

Your surgeon will make you a list of pre-op to-dos: It might include stopping a few medications in your medicine cabinet and fasting before your surgery, or doing tests like an endoscopy or pH monitoring. There will be time to askquestions, and learn what to expect after surgery. It is to make sure you do not have a contraindication for the surgery and that there is a high likelihood that this surgery will help your symptoms of reflux.

Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and your overall health, however most patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. You’ll have to be on a soft food diet for a couple of weeks and refrain from lifting anything heavy. Some people have trouble swallowing, gas, or bloating for a short time after the procedure. Majority of patients recuperate within 2–3 weeks and report a good quality of life after healing.

As with any operation, anti reflux surgery does have its risks. These can include infection, bleeding, or problems with anesthesia. With reflux surgery, difficulty swallowing, gas bloat syndrome, or recurrent symptoms over time are all possibilities.

The risk of these complications can be reduced by choosing a competent surgeon and being meticulous about following the postoperative orders. Having realistic hopes for the outcome and maintaining contact with your medical team during the recovery period are also important.

Most patients find permanent relief from GERD symptoms, which permits them to eliminate medications or even quit taking it. That can be especially meaningful for longtime sufferers of chronic heartburn, who have also spent nights propped up on pillows to prevent nighttime reflux. Crucially, surgery can protect your esophagus from the long-term damage of chronic acid reflux and anti-inflammatory​ and guard against getting Esophageal cancer is a rare, but serious cancer of the esophagus. For some patients, the findings can be life-altering.

Anti-reflux endoscopic surgery is intended to permanently improve your symptoms, but results can’t be guaranteed. That’s not to say that some patients don’t experience a recurrence of reflux months or even years later. This could be the result of anatomical changes, weight gain, or complications at the surgical site. In such cases, doctors may suggest more tests, changes in lifestyle or even a second operation. However, many patients report many years of relief before a new round of symptoms crop up.

Anti-reflux surgery is not for everybody, but for people who experience chronic GERD and don’t have successful treatment with medications, this type of surgical procedure can make a world of difference. It treats the cause of reflux and can help your esophagus protect itself over time. By understanding the ins and outs of the procedure, knowing when to consider it, and consulting with the right specialist for surgery, you can make an informed decision that leads to better health — and a lot less tossing and turning.