Symptoms of acid reflux can make everyday life miserable. It is often a burning sensation in your chest followed by sour taste in the mouth. It can result in difficulty swallowing, belching, regurgitation of food, and a dry cough. When lifestyle changes, diet, and medications do not work, acid reflux surgery often will.
Laparoscopic surgery
The most common form of surgery performed for acid reflux is called a fundoplication. It is when a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus to strengthen the muscle. These surgeries are performed today with minimally invasive techniques. It is called laparoscopic surgery. It involves inserting a small thin camera and thin operating instruments into the body. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen and the instruments are inserted through these small incisions.
The benefits of this surgery are a much shorter recovery time, less chance of getting infections, faster return to work, and less pain in recovery. These are all tremendous benefits of this type of surgery. There are a growing number of new incision-less surgeries for acid reflux using endoscopy. It is an instrument inserted through the mouth and into the stomach.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication Surgery
A TIF is an incisionless fundoplication. Often a device called a Espophx is inserted through the mouth. It is designed to create folds near the base of the esophagus. The forms a new valve in the esophagus. It helps to reduce acid reflux symptoms and does not have a long recovery time.
LINX System
The LINX system is a form of surgery that places a small band of beads around the lower esophagus. It is implanted. The patient is sedated and the beads are implanted using the laparoscopy technique. During the procedure they have to measure the esophagus to find the right size device to use. They place a necklace like tool around the esophagus and measure the diameter. After the measurement the device is removed the LINX bracelet is inserted.
The benefits of this surgery are that most patients can return home in one day. It improves acid reflux symptoms. Often patients do not have to take medications any longer. Patients can resume a normal diet following surgery. There are minimal side effect and pain. There is a shorter time span when recovering so patients can return to work more quickly or daily routines.
Benefits of Acid Reflux Surgery
The good news is that chronic heartburn can be relieved with acid reflux surgery. The new surgeries are non-invasive which means less pain and chance of infection after the procedure. In many case the patient does not have to take medications because the surgery relieves the symptoms associated with acid reflux surgery. With less time to recover patients can return to work or normal activities more quickly. These are the many benefits and why acid reflux surgery will change your life.