Acid reflux disease corrective surgery?!
Question: I have really bad acid reflux GERD. and drs, have mentioned a surgical procedure that corrects this? has anyone else had this are know any information on such.?? ive done some research on line but the more i get the better i will feel before deciding .
Answers: I have really bad acid reflux GERD. and drs, have mentioned a surgical procedure that corrects this? has anyone else had this are know any information on such.?? ive done some research on line but the more i get the better i will feel before deciding .
yes actually I've seen some people who have had the surgery...it's the only way to get the problem takin care of, before it does more serious damage (like cancer...yes you can get esophogeal(sp?) cancer from GERD.)
All the antacids in the world can't help you...take the surgery and feel better.
The surgery is called a Nissen Fundoplication--a procedure that wraps the upper part of your stomach around the lower part of your esophagus. This lets your pyloric sphincter start working again (this prevents a backflow of acid into your esophagus). Usually, you can get it done laparoscopically--with 4-5 5-10mm incisions in your abdomen. Never seen recovery process, but surgery goes pretty smoothly.
Felt you should know of other views on reflux treatment as I have had problems with reflux myself.
In the book, "Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux & GERD (2001)," by Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Lane Lenard, Ph.D., we come across another view to the cause and treatment of 'heartburn'.
This book explains that contrary to common belief, heartburn is normally linked to a deficiency of stomach acid.
According to their understanding, the usual medical practice of reducing stomach acid only temporarily suppresses the symptoms.
Worse still, both men are concerned about the long-term unwanted effects of acid-suppressing drugs and over-the-counter antacids. Some of these health problems mentioned in the book are:
* poor nutritional absorption
* allergies
* depression
* pernicious anaemia
* osteoporosis
What Dr. Wright urges is the use of stomach acid supplements and other natural treatments.
You could look into:
* Causes eg foods or drugs that weaken the stomach valve or irritate the oesophagus
* Swedish Bitters to stimulate the Stomach
* Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
* Herbal 'Antacid' supporting Digestion
* Noni, Goji or Mangosteen Juices
* Digestive Enzymes
* Testing Stomach Acid Level
* HCL-Pepsin
Please email me if you want further feedback.
The purpose of surgery is to ensure the intra-abdominal location of the lower esophageal segment which has the lower esophageal sphincter at its lower end. That would keep it positioned where a positive (intra-abdominal) pressure is maintained.
The diaphragmatic opening through which the lower esophagus passes is also narrowed and the top part of the stomach (called fundus) is wrapped around the lower esophagus and sutured to itself to tighten lower esophageal end.
This operation is called Nissen Fundoplication and is considered the most effective and proven procedure.
Recently, innovative techniques have allowed surgeons to perform this operation laparoscopically. It takes about 90 minutes and improves symptoms in 90% of patients. The operation may reverse damage caused by acid reflux disease and patients may be able to stop medications completely. However, it has been reported that after 5 years some patients would require proton pump inhibitors to control symptoms.
The operation may also be associated with some complications as difficulty in swallowing, inability to vomit and failure to completely relieve reflux symptoms.
Patient selection is the key to effectiveness of this operation and should mainly be indicated on the basis of patient preference.
The association of Barret's esophagus is serious and it's essential to control your acid reflux disease effectively and have regular follow ups with endoscopy and biopsy
Always consult your physician to determine if surgery is an appropriate option for you.