Introduction to Reflux Surgery
Reflux is defined as the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. In healthy individuals, physiological (expected) reflux can occur throughout the day. However, when this backflow happens more frequently than usual and significantly affects a person’s quality of life, reflux disease (GERD) is suspected. If an individual experiences reflux symptoms more than twice a week, an endoscopic evaluation is necessary to assess the pathological condition. If damage is found in the esophagus, the diagnosis is reflux esophagitis; if no damage is observed during endoscopy, the diagnosis is non-erosive reflux disease.
What Is Reflux Surgery?
Reflux surgery is a method used in the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and is known as laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is performed to alleviate or eliminate reflux symptoms by preventing the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. The surgery is conducted using a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) approach, which involves making several small incisions through which laparoscopic instruments and a camera are inserted.
What Is Reflux Surgery?
Recently, the number of people asking “What is reflux?” has noticeably increased. Laparoscopic reflux surgery is a surgical procedure performed to treat a condition known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is characterized by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as burning, pain, acid reflux, and heartburn in the esophagus. There are numerous specialists in the healthcare sector who focus on treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Today, treatment options for reflux can be an effective way to alleviate or eliminate GERD symptoms. The suitability of such a surgery depends on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health status. The goal of reflux surgery is considered when controlling symptoms through other methods like diet, lifestyle changes, and medication is not possible.
To gain more information about the increasingly popular surgery for heartburn and to determine whether this type of surgery is suitable for you, you should consult with a gastroenterologist or surgeon. Post-surgery, a special diet and lifestyle changes may be necessary, so it is important to follow your surgeon’s recommendations. You can also ask your doctor questions about how reflux surgery is performed, the necessity of reflux surgery, and the outcomes of reflux surgery.
What Are the Symptoms of Reflux?
The most common symptom of reflux is a burning sensation in the stomach, heartburn, and the feeling of bitter-sour liquid coming into the mouth. Additionally, burning in the chest cavity, hoarseness, and a sensation of something sticking while swallowing can also be signs of reflux. When investigating conditions such as recurring upper respiratory infections, oral and dental health issues, or pneumonia, reflux disease should always be kept in mind.
How Is Reflux Diagnosed?
The first test to diagnose reflux is an endoscopic evaluation. During an endoscopy, the surgeon assesses whether there is any looseness or hernia in the stomach valve (hiatal hernia). Additionally, the extent of any damage that reflux may have caused to the esophagus is evaluated. If no findings are observed during the endoscopy but the patient still experiences reflux symptoms, a 24-hour pH monitoring test using a device placed at the lower end of the esophagus may be necessary. Esophageal manometry, which evaluates the pushing force of the esophagus on food, can also be performed as an advanced diagnostic test.
Reflux Surgery (Laparoscopic) – The Most Effective Way to Eliminate Reflux
Reflux surgery is a surgical procedure used to treat stomach acid reflux. GERD is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and other related symptoms. Laparoscopic reflux surgery is a minimally invasive method compared to open surgery and offers a faster recovery process. The advantages of reflux surgery become evident during the post-operative recovery period. During the surgery, the patient is put under anesthesia, ensuring they do not feel any pain or discomfort.
During the procedure, laparoscopic instruments and small skin incisions are carefully closed. Today, laparoscopic reflux surgery is associated with faster recovery times and fewer complications due to its minimally invasive approach. Like any surgical procedure, reflux surgery carries certain risks and may not be suitable for every patient. Therefore, if someone has GERD symptoms, they should consult a specialist physician. The doctor will evaluate the patient’s condition and perform the necessary tests to recommend the most appropriate reflux surgery treatment method.
Today, the risks of reflux surgery and the benefits of reflux surgery are among the most researched topics. You can obtain detailed information by asking specialized doctors about laparoscopic surgery and reflux treatment methods.
What Are Reflux Treatments?
Reflux is a chronic disease. The primary goals of treatment are to increase the patient’s quality of life and prevent the serious health problems that uncontrolled reflux can cause. The first steps in treatment are diet and lifestyle changes. If symptoms do not improve despite these changes, medical treatment is recommended. Today, there are very strong acid-reducing medications available for reflux treatment, allowing patients to be treated symptom-free for extended periods. However, in some cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Besides surgical methods, there are also endoscopic treatment methods, but these have lower success rates compared to surgical treatments.
Who Can Undergo Reflux Surgery?
Reflux surgery is a method that may be considered by patients suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) to treat or manage their condition. GERD is characterized by symptoms resulting from the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. Reflux surgery may be necessary when patients with severe reflux complications seek to control their symptoms or prevent GERD-related complications. This surgery is not automatically recommended for everyone with GERD. Therefore, determining eligibility for reflux surgery is crucial.
The indications for reflux surgery can vary from person to person. Patients who can control their symptoms with medications or lifestyle changes might still need reflux surgery if these measures are unsuccessful. Reflux surgery may be considered for those with severe and unmanageable symptoms, patients who do not respond well to medications, or those who experience persistent symptoms despite medication. Additionally, individuals who have poor tolerance to acid blockers like proton pump inhibitors may also be candidates for reflux surgery.
Despite the success of medical treatments, surgical alternatives should be considered for certain patient groups. Situations where surgical treatment options should be considered include:
- Cases where medical treatment is unsuccessful (no improvement after 8-12 weeks of medication, diet, and social life recommendations).
- Patients with advanced esophagitis and large hiatal hernias.
- Young patients who do not wish to take medications for life.
- Patients whose symptoms persist even after medication.
- Individuals experiencing chronic cough, hoarseness, asthma, and chronic sore throat despite treatments.
- Patients showing cellular changes in the esophagus (Barrett’s Esophagus).
In reflux treatment, surgical treatment is the most effective method. The most commonly preferred method is laparoscopic surgery, typically laparoscopic fundoplication.
How Is Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery (Laparoscopic Fundoplication) Performed?
In this method, the surgeon enters the abdomen using laparoscopic techniques through small incisions. The area where the stomach and esophagus meet is surgically examined, and if a hiatal hernia (stomach hernia) is present, it is repaired with stitches. In cases of a very large hiatal hernia, a patch may be applied to the area. Next, the upper part of the stomach, known as the fundus, is released and wrapped around the esophagus 270 or 360 degrees to create a new valve system that prevents reflux.
Today, the number of people researching how laparoscopic surgery is performed is increasing. Reflux surgery is a surgical procedure performed to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing severe symptoms. In medical practices, reflux surgery techniques are used to alleviate or eliminate these symptoms. You can ask your doctor questions about the duration of reflux surgery and learn more about the surgery steps.
Laparoscopic surgery is considered for patients with severe GERD symptoms who have not achieved successful results with other treatment methods. The risks and benefits of laparoscopic reflux surgery should be carefully evaluated. It is important to consult with a gastroenterologist or surgeon to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the reflux surgery process. Following your surgeon’s recommendations and attending regular follow-up appointments are crucial during the post-operative period. For more information, you should research the steps involved in reflux surgery.
Post-Surgery Process
Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the skin through which laparoscopic instruments are inserted. Post-surgery, patients typically do not experience significant pain or discomfort in the first 2-4 hours. Starting from the day after the surgery, patients begin to eat soft foods. To allow the stitches in the repair area to heal, patients are advised to avoid solid foods for the first 2-3 weeks. Although increased abdominal pressure due to heavy lifting and severe constipation is not present in all patients, it is recommended to avoid such situations in the long term to prevent internal abdominal pressure buildup.
Advantages of Reflux Surgery
Reflux surgery, particularly laparoscopic surgery, offers several advantages for individuals suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The advantages include:
- Faster Recovery: Minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques result in quicker healing times.
- Less Pain: Smaller incisions lead to reduced postoperative pain.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients often spend less time in the hospital after the surgery.
- Minimal Scarring: Small incisions result in less noticeable scars.
- Lower Complication Rates: The minimally invasive nature of laparoscopic surgery reduces the risk of complications compared to open surgery.
Reflux surgery can be a highly effective treatment for those who do not respond adequately to medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
Risks of Reflux Surgery
Reflux surgery (fundoplication) involves certain risks and complications, including:
- Bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Infection: The surgical site can become infected.
- Intestinal Obstruction: There is a possibility of the intestines becoming blocked.
- Stomach Ulcer: Ulcers can develop in the stomach after surgery.
- Dumping Syndrome: Although more common in gastric bypass surgery, dumping syndrome can occur, causing symptoms like diarrhea and low blood pressure.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: Long-term absorption issues may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients.
These risks can vary for each patient and should be thoroughly discussed with a qualified healthcare provider before deciding on surgery.
What to Pay Attention to After Reflux Surgery
As expected, post-operative care is crucial after reflux surgery. If the recommendations provided by the doctor are followed, the recovery process will proceed smoothly. Attention should be paid to the post-operative diet and potential complications after surgery.
How Long Does Reflux Surgery Take?
Patients often wonder about the duration of reflux surgery. It is important to note that each patient is different, and the duration of reflux surgery can vary from person to person.
When Will Patients Be Discharged After Reflux Surgery?
Like many surgeries, the hospital stay after reflux surgery typically lasts around 1 day. This is generally the case, with patients being discharged the day after the surgery if there are no complications.
When Can Patients Return to Normal Life After Reflux Surgery?
The process of returning to normal life after reflux surgery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Adhering to your doctor’s advice and getting ample rest during the post-operative period can accelerate the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. If considering reflux surgery for conditions like gastritis or esophageal cancer, your doctor will provide more detailed information about post-operative expectations and the recovery process.
Conclusion
Reflux surgery, particularly laparoscopic fundoplication, is a highly effective surgical option for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It offers numerous benefits, including faster recovery times, less pain, and lower complication rates compared to open surgery. However, it also carries certain risks that should be carefully considered. Consulting with a specialized gastroenterologist or surgeon is essential to determine if reflux surgery is the right treatment option for your specific condition. Following post-operative care instructions and attending regular follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery and long-term relief from GERD symptoms.
For more information about reflux surgery and to determine if it is suitable for you, please fill out our contact form to get in touch with us.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment regarding reflux surgery or other health concerns.
