Acid Reflux And Surgical Procedures
Acid reflux, medically known by the term gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD happens to people of all ages including children. This happens due to the consumption of large quantities of acidic food. While it is quite common among children, in time it disappears. Unhealthy eating habits can keep this problem repeatedly bothering you even after treatment for a particular attack has been successful.
Acid reflux takes place when ingested food, not yet digested returns up the esophagus and into the throat, giving rise to a burning sensation. Unhealthy diet and irregular eating habits are cited as most common causes for this condition. It can happen any time, but mostly after heavy meals or after an unscheduled meal.
Most sufferers are able to control acid reflux by proper medication like antacids or by changing their diet and eating habits. If the problem is chronic however, surgery is highly recommended. While there are many surgical procedures prevalent, two are considered most effective in the treatment of an acid reflux problem. They are Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, known as Intraluminal Endoscopic surgery and Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication, (fundoplication for short) would be the most popular form of surgery fo acid reflux. The surgery is done by tightening up the esophagus walls adjacent to the stomach, which adds pressure on the lower esophageal muscles. This procedure prevents the return of food from the stomach to the esophagus and throat. Another method is to tighten up the esophageal valve to achieve the same end.
The other procedure called Intraluminal endoscopic surgery is also popular. In this procedure, the end result is the same, but a small lens attached to a tube is inserted into the system to make possible a visual reading of the condition of the inner intestines. Such a visual reading enables the surgeon to decide on either removal or biopsy to be done on any suspicious looking part. This procedure takes less time than the other and is minimally invasive. Postoperative recovery is also faster and treatment less rigorous.
Patients with a history of acid reflux now have three options for cure – proper diet and timely intake, medication or surgery. While the first two are effective, there is always the possibility of recurrence and therefore, surgery is recommended in chronic cases. Surgery will ensure a long lasting cure at minimum risk and time taken.
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