Are you conscious of your eating habits? Healthy eating can only be sufficient if the digestive system of an individual is working efficiently. Only the appropriate functioning of all organs associated with digestion can guarantee the effectiveness of the food. A rapidly growing health condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a medical condition in which acid present in the stomach flows back and damages other organs. Reasons may vary, but it can be a constant source of discomfort and numerous other medical conditions.
Patients suffering from this reflux are well aware of its sting. Treatment options include medication and surgery. The operation that specializes in treating GERD is called anti-reflux surgery. Dr Tahir at ALSA Pakistan is renowned for performing thousands of successful surgeries during the last decade. Patients experience an extraordinary relief in their routine eating and hence, their health status. Yet, numerous questions arise in the patient’s mind. What will happen if you do not go for surgery? How can surgery be helpful in treating acid reflux? This blog will provide comprehensive answers to the most common questions about anti-reflux surgery.
What Is Anti-Reflux Surgery?
Lifestyle modifications remain unresponsive if GERD is above a minor or mild level. In such cases, the only option is to take medicine forever. However, surgical methods can be helpful in this regard and can assist patients in getting rid of medicines. It is a therapeutic option to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter and stop acid reflux. The most popular treatment is fundoplication, which aims to envelop the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus. Involvement of minimum cuts is its specialty. Thus, recovery is speedy and associated discomfort is minimal. It not only eliminates the need for long-term medication but also improves the overall health of patients by addressing the primary cause of the issue.
Common Queries About Anti-Reflux Surgery
1. When to go for anti-reflux surgery?
Certain conditions describe the need for anti-reflux surgery. It is a good option when the best PPI therapy is not enough to control GERD symptoms or complications. The most considerable issues include regurgitation, Barrett’s esophagus, esophagitis, and persistent heartburn. Moreover, extra-esophageal problems like persistent cough or hoarseness need consideration. In addition, it is crucial to identify reflux through endoscopy. In short following people must go for surgery
- Patients with Severe symptoms of GERD
- Individuals who cannot bear therapy
- Patients with severe hiatal hernias.
- Patients who do not want to take lifelong medicine,
2. What are the benefits of anti-reflux surgery?
Anti-reflux surgery has long-lasting results. 85–93% of patients experience significant symptom relief and pleasure. Research indicates that in the short run, it improves quality of life more than drugs alone. The best part is that only a small percentage of individuals need continuing medication after surgery. Moreover, it fixes hiatal hernias, stops the course of certain diseases.
3. Do symptoms of GERD come back?
Many patients experience long-term relief after the operation. However, there is a possibility that symptoms take a turn. Recurrence rates range from 10% to 20%, with 10% to 20% of patients reporting a return of symptoms after surgery. In some cases, after ten years, 25–35% of patients report having heartburn again or starting to take PPIs daily. The primary reasons include problems with functional reflux, hernia recurrence, or wrap collapse.
4. How is recovery after surgery?
Surgeons recommend that patients have a hospital stay for one to two nights. It helps to monitor recovery and possible complications (if any). Patients must start walking gently the same day or the following day. Activity should be progressively resumed at home. It’s best to start with mild work in 1-2 weeks. Moreover, complete non-strenuous work requires 3-5 weeks. Furthermore, avoidance of heavy lifting or severe exercise for 4-6 weeks is crucial.
A cautious diet transition is essential. Starting with clear liquids and progressing to full liquids and soft meals over two to six weeks. Further, for 6 to 8 weeks, patients should avoid cold or fizzy beverages and take small, well-chewed bites because their swallowing may feel constricted due to swelling.
5. Does surgery eliminate the need for medication?
Yes, the majority of patients can stop or reduce (minimal) medications after the operation. Laparoscopic fundoplication, the most common procedure, enables 85–93% of individuals to discontinue acid-suppressing therapy; only about 15–22% use medications afterward. Nissen fundoplication often enables patients to stop immediately after surgery, as the procedure restores a functional barrier without the need for tapering. Hence, anti-reflux surgery enables the majority of well-selected patients to stop their GERD medications.
6. Will eating be normal after the operation?
Right after the operation, extraordinary care is essential for a few weeks. It comprises a gradual start from liquids and resuming solid foods. However, it is a temporary change. In the long run, patients can eat normally; however, following these precautions can help prevent complications
- Try to take frequent meals in smaller portions
- Chew your food and have mindful eating
- Limit carbonated foods
- Stay upright after meals
7. Are there any risks?
Total fundoplication can result in mechanical obstruction. The inability to vent air from the stomach makes it difficult to burp, causes more air to pass through the intestine, and causes bloating and flatulence.
Reactions caused by the medications.
- Breathing issues.
- Infection.
- Bleeding and blood clots.
Risks associated with the surgery are:
- Damage may be caused to the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or liver.
- Gas bloat is caused when too much air or food overfills the stomach, and the person is unable to relieve the pressure.
- Difficulty while swallowing.
- Recurrence of hiatal hernia.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, acid present in the stomach is beneficial in many ways. Converse is also true if it comes up towards the throat. It is a specific medical condition called GERD. For minor symptoms, medication or therapies can be a solution. However, for severe, long-standing conditions, Anti-reflux surgery gives appreciable results. Dr. Tahir at ALSA Pakistan is highly respected for offering imperative patient care and customized treatment plans. The use of advanced strategies even boosts the standard of procedure.
However, frequently asked questions about anti-reflux surgery include its procedural details, recovery and required changes after the operation. Moreover, the need for medications and surgical risks remain on the lips of patients. A summarized answer is that it is a highly safe and beneficial operation that minimizes the need for medication and involves the least risk.
