Reflux/GERD

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short, is a condition that happens when the acid from your stomach flows back up into your food pipe, which is called the esophagus. Normally, there's a little valve at the bottom of the esophagus that keeps the stomach acid from going up. But with GERD, this valve might not work well, so the acid can irritate the lining of the esophagus. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like heartburn, a burning feeling in your chest, or even regurgitation, where you feel like stomach contents are coming back up into your throat. If GERD isn't managed properly, it can cause more serious problems over time. So, it's important to work with doctors to find ways to treat and control the symptoms.

When to consider treatment for acid reflux?

When thinking about an acid reflux procedure, it's a step to consider when the usual methods like changing your diet or taking medicines haven't been effective in dealing with persistent acid reflux issues. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back up into your food pipe and causes discomfort, like heartburn or a sour taste. If these symptoms happen a lot and start to interfere with your daily life, it might be a good idea to talk to a doctor about the possibility of a procedure. This procedure is like a fix for a faulty door – doctors use it to strengthen the entrance between your food pipe and stomach so that acid can't come up easily. It's important to remember that this decision involves discussing with your doctor, understanding the risks, and figuring out if the benefits of the procedure outweigh any potential downside.

What is the Nissen Fundoplication?

Nissen Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During this surgery, the top part of the stomach, called the fundus, is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus and sewn in place. This wrapping creates a sort of valve that strengthens the connection between the esophagus and the stomach, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. Essentially, it helps fix the faulty valve that causes acid reflux in the first place. Nissen Fundoplication can be done through traditional open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, where small incisions are made and special tools are used to perform the procedure. This surgery aims to alleviate the symptoms of GERD and improve overall quality of life for individuals who haven't found relief from other treatments.

Who is eligible for Nissen Fundoplication?

• Persistent GERD Symptoms: Individuals who have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and experience chronic symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing that don't respond well to medication or lifestyle changes.
• No Response to Conservative Treatments: Those who haven't found relief from GERD symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription medications like antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers, as well as dietary and positional modifications.
• Severe Symptoms: Individuals with severe or worsening symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life, daily activities, sleep, and overall well-being.
• Risk of Complications: People who are at risk of developing complications due to untreated GERD, such as esophageal inflammation, ulcers, narrowing of the esophagus, or Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition).
• Esophageal Damage: Individuals with evidence of esophageal damage or erosion caused by chronic exposure to stomach acid, as seen in endoscopic examinations or other diagnostic tests.
• Medical Evaluation: Those who undergo a thorough medical evaluation and testing, including endoscopy, pH monitoring, and other assessments, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of their condition.
• Absence of Certain Conditions: Nissen Fundoplication might not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, severe obesity, or certain lung issues, which could increase the risks associated with the surgery.
• Consultation with a Specialist: Eligibility should be determined in consultation with a gastroenterologist or a surgeon specializing in reflux disease. They will carefully assess the individual's medical history, symptoms, test results, and overall health before recommending Nissen Fundoplication or exploring other treatment options.It's important to note that eligibility for Nissen Fundoplication can vary depending on individual circumstances, and the decision should be made in close collaboration with healthcare professionals who have expertise in managing GERD and performing the procedure.

It's important to note that eligibility for Nissen Fundoplication can vary depending on individual circumstances, and the decision should be made in close collaboration with healthcare professionals who have expertise in managing GERD and performing the procedure.