Treatment for GERD

How is GERD treated?
GERD is generally treated in three progressive steps. First, lifestyle changes can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Changing your diet and taking over-the-counter antacids can help. Your doctor may have other suggestions such as reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, losing weight, or altering eating and sleeping patterns. If symptoms persist after lifestyle changes, the next step prescribed by your doctor may be drug therapy. Prescription drugs can be effective in reducing the amount of stomach acid produced, healing irritation of the esophagus, and relieving the "heartburn" symptoms. Patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or drug therapy, or who require constant medication to control their symptoms, might consider the options of life-long medications or a surgical procedure.

Why should I choose Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery?
In the past, the operation required for GERD involved a large abdominal incision and an extensive recovery period. Recently the surgical procedure has been modified using laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to reinforce the valve (LES) at the base of the esophagus without making a large abdominal incision. In this procedure, surgeons use small incisions (1/4 to 1/2 inch) to enter the abdomen through canulas (narrow tube-like instruments). The laparoscope (a tiny telescope) is connected to a tiny video camera which is inserted through one of these small incisions. After the abdomen is expanded by pumping gas into it, the laparoscope gives the surgeon a magnified view of the internal organs on a television screen and the entire operation can be performed "inside" the abdomen.

The surgeon can then construct a new valve between the esophagus and stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus similar to the way a bun fits around a hot dog. After the procedure, the small incisions are closed with a few stitches or surgical tape. The average time spent in the hospital is 1 - 2 days.