Gatsroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that affects patients of all ages and genders. Symptoms of this condition include, regurgitation of stomach juices into the esophagus and mouth, abdominal discomfort and dyspepsia (indigestion) among others. The underlying cause of this condition is a weak sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus that fails to restrict the movement of stomach contents. There are a number of important facts on reflux surgery Tx patients need to have.
The operation is popularly known as fundoplication. The main objective is to sew the upper portion of the stomach (also termed fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus. This effectively creates a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes before it enters the muscular layer of the stomach. Effectively, the esophageal sphincter is strengthened. The likelihood of the juices moving back is reduced and so are the symptoms.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
There may be a need to have some dietary changes particularly in the first few days after the surgery. Generally, one should ensure that the food chosen is soft enough. It should ideally be eaten in small quantities after being chewed thoroughly. These precautions ensure that food can pass through the esophagus in easily and does not compromise the healing process. Extraneous physical activity should be avoided.
Many of the patients who have surgery experience a huge improvement. A few of them do not. In such patients, the symptoms may either persist or worsen. Such include belching, difficulty in swallowing and flatulence among others. Long term management with antacid drugs becomes a necessity in this instance. If the drugs fail to yield the desired results, another operation may have to be performed.
The operation is popularly known as fundoplication. The main objective is to sew the upper portion of the stomach (also termed fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus. This effectively creates a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes before it enters the muscular layer of the stomach. Effectively, the esophageal sphincter is strengthened. The likelihood of the juices moving back is reduced and so are the symptoms.
Just as is the case with many major operations, adequate preparation is a necessity. The first step of preparation is to undergo an evaluation by a doctor to assess the need for the operation. Some blood tests may also be necessary. Such will include, for example, a total blood count and kidney function tests. If the patient is on treatment with blood thinning drugs, they have to be discontinued for at least two weeks.
A number of different techniques of operation exist. The choice is determined by the physical appearance of the patient and the surgical skill of the patient among others. In general, two main methods exist: an open technique and a laparoscopic technique. The open technique is used when the patient is overweight or is found to have a short esophagus. With this approach the sphincter is accessed through the abdominal or chest region.
The commonest minimally invasive technique is known as laparoscopic fundoplication. In this method, the sphincter is accessed through three ports. One of these ports is used for the insertion of a camera that is in turn used to capture images of the surgical field. The surgeon can then operate comfortably with the guidance of images projected onto a monitor. The laparoscopic technique has fewer side effects and generally, better outcomes.
The time required for one to recover depends on the method that is employed to perform the operation. The open procedure is more extensive and hence requires a longer period of time for recovery. Patients have to be admitted to the hospital for several days and require weeks or months for full recovery. When the laparoscopic technique is used, the time is reduced significantly.
There may be a need to have some dietary changes particularly in the first few days after the surgery. Generally, one should ensure that the food chosen is soft enough. It should ideally be eaten in small quantities after being chewed thoroughly. These precautions ensure that food can pass through the esophagus in easily and does not compromise the healing process. Extraneous physical activity should be avoided.
Many of the patients who have surgery experience a huge improvement. A few of them do not. In such patients, the symptoms may either persist or worsen. Such include belching, difficulty in swallowing and flatulence among others. Long term management with antacid drugs becomes a necessity in this instance. If the drugs fail to yield the desired results, another operation may have to be performed.
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