Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, is a condition in which stomach juices move up the esophagus from time to time. This causes a burning effect, difficulty in swallowing and occasionally, abdominal pains. A hernia in the diaphragm (hiatal hernia) is a well-known cause of the problem. Initial management involves lifestyle changes and the use of medication but surgery becomes a necessity if a response is not seen. Before undergoing reflux surgery Tx residents need to know several things beforehand.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
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.
There are several approaches that can be adopted by the surgeon when performing this procedure. Broadly, they are divided into open procedures and minimally invasive techniques. Ensure that you discuss these options with your doctor before signing up for the procedure. When using the open approach, the surgeon may either access the area of interest through the chest or through the abdomen. The former is chosen when the patient is overweight or has a very short esophagus.
To perform laparoscopic surgery, three openings (ports of entry) are made in the abdomen. The ports are used for the insertion of surgical instruments and a camera. Images from the surgical field are projected onto a screen and act as a guide to the surgeon. The size of the incisions that are used in this case is a lot smaller than the incisions needed for the open procedure. This results in better outcomes.
The time needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
The procedure is also known as fundoplication. The upper stomach portion is sewn around the esophagus to create a small tunnel through which the esophagus passes. The result of this is the strengthening of the lower esophageal sphincter. With a stronger valve, there is less likelihood of acid moving up the esophagus and causing discomfort. Areas that had been injured by continuous exposure to acid begin to heal.
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.
There are several approaches that can be adopted by the surgeon when performing this procedure. Broadly, they are divided into open procedures and minimally invasive techniques. Ensure that you discuss these options with your doctor before signing up for the procedure. When using the open approach, the surgeon may either access the area of interest through the chest or through the abdomen. The former is chosen when the patient is overweight or has a very short esophagus.
To perform laparoscopic surgery, three openings (ports of entry) are made in the abdomen. The ports are used for the insertion of surgical instruments and a camera. Images from the surgical field are projected onto a screen and act as a guide to the surgeon. The size of the incisions that are used in this case is a lot smaller than the incisions needed for the open procedure. This results in better outcomes.
The time needed for recovery depends on the technique that is employed when performing the procedure. In the case of the open technique, a couple of days have to be spent in hospital for the initial phase of recovery while the full recovery will require weeks to months. In case of laparoscopic surgery, on the other hand, one may be allowed home in about 48 hours. Resumption of the regular routine is typically in 2 to 3 weeks.
During the initial days and weeks following the operation, the food that is eaten should be carefully selected. It should be soft enough and eaten in small quantities. Chewing should be through to ensure that it does not interfere with healing process taking place at the lower esophageal sphincter. Another important precaution that needs to be undertaken is the avoidance of strenuous physical activity during the healing period.
Although most of the patients that undergo this operation show a marked improvement in their symptoms, there is a significant number of them who experience no change. As a matter of fact symptoms such as flatulence, difficulty in swallowing and belching may worsen. Such patients need to be on long term treatment with antacids. If symptoms are very severe, an additional operation is sometimes needed.
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Find a list of the advantages of undergoing reflux surgery TX area and more info about a reliable surgeon at http://www.ataahmadmd.com/acid-reflux-surgery-houston-texas today.
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