Acid Reflux Surgery: Is It Effective?
One of the most effect ways to treat reflux symptoms is to actually stop acid secretion in the stomach. Constant irritation such as pain in the abdomen and inner lining of the esophagus is often the main symptom of acid reflux, and this is why some people resort to surgery. In many cases, drugs are able to eliminate symptoms, but in other cases a doctor may recommend surgery. Let’s take a look at the suitability, benefits, methods, and preparations of acid reflux surgery.
When Am I A Candidate For Surgery?
Doctor’s Recommendation – Your doctor may recommend acid reflux surgery if initial treatments for acid reflux surgery has not worked and symptoms have continued to persist. Furthermore, you might want to consider surgery if you don’t want to be on medication for life (when that option is recommended).
Not Responding to Medication – Doctors will also sometimes find that their patients are unable to keep up with their medication and so may suggest a permanent solution such as surgery. Finally, severe damage in the esophagus will often require surgery.
Pre-Surgery Testing – Of course, your doctor will always perform tests before pushing through with surgery. Surgery is often aimed at repairing the stomach valve so that acid is blocked from leaking into the esophagus. Your current condition will often be considered and if you are deemed fit enough for surgery, then a procedure can be performed.
What Are The Benefits Of Surgery?
Less Discomfort – Almost all patients that undergo surgery for acid reflux end up free of heartburn. More than half of all patients who undergo surgery also end up being cured from respiratory symptoms like asthma caused by acid reflux. And if you developed Barrett’s esophagus due to the condition, surgery is considered the only treatment that blocks both acid reflux and bile. And because bile reflux is an acid reflux complication that can cause cancer, surgery is definitely advantageous. Furthermore, surgery is performed on children who have severe acid reflux complications, experienced severe side effects from medication, and had no improvement from medication.
What Are The Methods Of Acid Reflux Surgery?
Two Approaches – The common methods used include fundoplication and Intraluminal endoscopic acid reflux surgery. When a surgeon performs fundoplication, the walls of your esophagus will be tightened to increase pressure by the lower esophageal sphincter. This means that acid from the stomach will have a harder time regurgitating upwards. On the other hand, Intraluminal endoscopic acid reflux surgery apply the same method but this time with the use of an endoscope.
Most surgeons recommend these methods as they are safe and effective to use. Recovery time after surgery is often quick and patients are able to go home right away with optimum results.
Post-Surgical Care – Coping after having acid reflux surgery is not a daunting task. You will simply be required to do some light exercises at home and gradually add solid foods to your diet over the course of a few days. Medication is often no longer needed and pain is usually very mild within the first few days after surgery. If there is some discomfort or pain after surgery that’s concerning, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
Related posts:
- Acid Reflux Surgery: Is It For You? One of the most effect ways to treat reflux symptoms is to actually stop acid secretion in the stomach. Constant irritation such as pain in the abdomen and inner lining of the esophagus is often the main symptom of acid reflux, and this is why some people resort to surgery. In many cases, drugs are able to eliminate symptoms, but in other cases a doctor may recommend surgery. Let's take a look at the suitability, benefits, methods, and preparations of acid reflux surgery....
- Acid Reflux – A Surprising Cause of Sore Throat Although many people don't know it, acid reflux sore throat is very real. When you consider what reflux is, it shouldn't be that surprising. It really is just a matter of how severe the reflux is....
- Acid Reflux – A Surprising Cause of Sore Throat Although many people don't know it, acid reflux sore throat is very real. When you consider what reflux is, it shouldn't be that surprising. It really is just a matter of how severe the reflux is....
- The Acid Reflux Sore Throat Connection Although many people don't know it, acid reflux sore throat is very real. When you consider what reflux is, it shouldn't be that surprising. It really is just a matter of how severe the reflux is....
- A Look at the Best Acid Reflux Drug Treatments Acid reflux is a common condition among people of any age. It can either be mild or severe, but can usually be treated. Doctors will often recommend lifestyle changes like avoiding certain foods, having a special diet and doing stress-relieving exercises. But if symptoms persist or become too uncomfortable, you may be prescribed an acid reflux drug....
Written by Richal Peyton on December 21st, 2009 with
no comments.
Read more articles on Family Health.
- [+] Digg: Feature this article
- [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
- [+] Furl: Bookmark this article