The word “heartburn” is often used to describe numerous digestive problems. But from a medical standpoint, heartburn is a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a medical condition wherein stomach acids back up from the stomach to the esophagus. You might have GERD if you frequently experience burning sensations between your ribs and neck, i.e., the region around the chest and throat and want to explore your options for acid reflux surgery in Herrin and Mount Vernon.
What Causes GERD?
When you eat, food takes a one-way path from your mouth to your stomach via the esophagus. The esophagus contains a ring of muscles (lower esophageal sphincters) that ensure one-way passage into the stomach, preventing the acidic stomach juices from backing up into the esophagus. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincters don’t function properly and allow stomach acids to flow into the lower esophagus, which leads to heartburn.
Your Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery
If you have acid reflux, you can try lifestyle changes and drug therapy to alleviate the symptoms. Changing your diet, taking over-the-counter antacids, losing weight, eliminating smoking, and improving your sleep pattern can reduce the frequency and harshness of your symptoms. But if you don’t respond well to lifestyle changes or have persistent acid reflux, you will need to undergo laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery.
Dr. Ahuja specializes in laparoscopic surgeries that involve extremely small incisions and minimal downtime. During laparoscopic acid reflux surgery in Herrin and Mount Vernon, he will make small incisions on the abdomen. He inserts a laparoscope with a lighted camera lens through the incision to visualize your internal organs. The surgeon reinforces the LES valves by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery:
- Performed via extremely small incisions (1/4 to 1/2 inches)
- Minimal postoperative pain and discomfort
- Optimal precision because of laparoscopic guidance
- Outpatient procedure
- Resume work within a few days
- Minimal scarring after the procedure
- Reduce or eliminate future heartburns and acid reflux
Recovery After Anti-Reflux Surgery
Most patients who undergo anti-reflux surgery experience minimal or no side effects. The most common side effects include soreness and stomach bloating because carbon dioxide gas is delivered into the abdomen. In rare cases, you may also experience difficulty swallowing immediately after the procedure, but that should be resolved within three months. Some patients also note a limited ability to belch or vomit after the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
Ahuja Bariatric & Beyond is a multi-specialty medical center committed to offering the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Ahuja performs anti-reflux surgery and all other surgical procedures using laparoscopic and robot-assisted techniques that ensure optimal results with minimal risks. If you have the questions regarding acid reflux surgery in Herrin and Mount Vernon, please contact our office for a consultation.
