Are You A Candidate for Reflux Surgery?
You are not alone if you struggle with the discomfort and agony of acid reflux. About 18-28% of Americans suffer from chronic acid reflux, often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For them, serious heartburn and other symptoms, including swallowing difficulties and sore throat, become usual. However, with surgery, you can now obtain long-term relief from your acid reflux symptoms. At Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics, Titus Duncan, MD, and the expert team conduct reflux surgery in Atlanta, GA. They utilize minimally invasive approaches; thus, avoiding the risks and complications associated with open surgery. To determine if reflux surgery is for you, arrange an appointment through mobile or book online right away.
What is the First Line of Treatment for Acid Reflux?
Heartburn is a common symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The initial treatment options for both concerns include medications such as H2 receptor blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and anti-acids.
By promptly diluting stomach acid, antacids provide instant relief from heartburn. PPIs and H2 receptor blockers stop your stomach from producing acid.
PPIs are more robust than H2 receptors. They keep acid from being produced for a prolonged period, allowing your esophagus to recover from the harm caused by concentrated stomach acid. Unfortunately, prolonged PPI use is linked to possible side effects, such as greater susceptibility to fractures.
These medications are available at your nearby pharmacy in various brands. If you fail to find relief, you might require prescription-strength drugs.
Who Should Opt for Reflux Surgery?
You might be the right fit for surgery if:
- Medications do not alleviate your symptoms
- You choose to stop using meds
- You suffer from a hiatal hernia
- You have esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus
- You are young and should avoid prolonged PPI use
- You are experiencing persistent symptoms like wheezing, coughing, hoarseness, or erosion of the tooth enamel
What To Expect With Acid Reflux Surgery?
Once you opt for surgery, Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics specialists conduct the most advanced procedure, a minimally invasive Nissen fundoplication. During the treatment, your doctor repairs a hiatal hernia and tightens your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that connects your stomach and esophagus.
If your LES is weak, stomach contents can sometimes flow up into your esophagus. Your specialist fixes this issue by wrapping your stomach’s upper section near the LES and constricting the junction.
Obesity, Overweight, And Surgery for Reflux
If you are substantially obese or overweight, you could be a candidate for a Nissen fundoplication. Alternatively, you could go for bariatric surgery. Besides helping you lose weight rapidly, it also cures acid reflux.
Bearing excessive weight triggers acid reflux as the weight boosts abdominal stress and drives acid out of your stomach. Furthermore, obesity-associated hormones weaken your LES. You can enjoy relief from your acid reflux symptoms by addressing both concerns.
Are acid reflux symptoms taking a toll on your health and overall life quality, and you have yet to find relief in medications? Schedule a consultation with Titus Duncan, MD, to establish if you are the right candidate for reflux surgery. Contact Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics over the phone or use the online booking feature.