Surgery for “heartburn”

If you suffer from “heartburn” your surgeon may have recommended LAPAROSCOPIC ANTI-REFLUX SURGERY to treat this condition, technically referred to as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This brochure will explain to you :

• What gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is?
• Medical and surgical treatment options for GERD?
• How this surgery is performed?
• Expected outcomes?
• What to expect if you choose to have laparoscopic anti reflux surgery?

What is gastro esophageal reflux disease (gerd)?

Although “heartburn” is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems, in medical terms, it is actually a symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease. In this condition, stomach acids reflux or “back up” from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn is described as a harsh. burning sensation in the area in between your ribs or just below your neck. The feeling may radiate through the chest and into the throat and neck. Many experience this uncomfortable, burning sensation at least once a month. Other symptoms may also include vomiting, difficulty swallowing and chronic coughing or wheezing.

What causes GERD?

When you eat, food travels from your mouth to your stomach through a tube called the esophagus. At the lower end of the esophagus is a small ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES acts like a one way valve, allowing food to pass through into the stomach. Normally, the LES closes immediately after swallowing to prevent back-up of stomach juices, which have a high acid content, into the esophagus. GERD occurs when the LES does not function properly allowing acid to flow back and burn the lower esophagus. This imitates and inflames the esophagus, causing heartburn and eventually may damage the esophagus.

What contributes to GERD?

Some people are born with a naturally weak sphincter (LES). For others, however, fatty and spicy foods, certain types of medication, tight clothing, smoking, drinking alcohol, vigorous exercise or changes in body position (bending over or lying down) may cause the LES to relax, causing reflux. A hiatal hernia (a common term for GERD) may be present in many patients who suffer from GERD, but may not cause symptoms of heartburn.

How is GERD treated?

GERD is generally treated in three progressive steps:

Lifestyle changes : In many cases, changing diet and taking over-the-counter antacids can reduce how often and how harsh your symptoms are. Losing weight, reducing or eliminating smoking and alcohol consumption, and altering eating and sleeping patterns can also help.

Drug therapy : If symptoms persist after these life style changes, drug therapy may be required. Antacids neutralize stomach acids and over-the-counter medications reduce the amount of stomach acid produced. Both may be effective in relieving symptoms. Prescription drugs may be more effective in healing irritation of the esophagus and relieving symptoms. This therapy needs to be discussed with your surgeon.

Surgery : Patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications or those who continually require medications to control their symptoms, will have to live with their condition or may undergo a surgical procedure. Surgery is very effective in treating GERD.

There are procedures being tried, known as Intraluminal Endoscopic Procedures, which are alternatives to laparoscopic and open surgery. You will need to discuss with your surgeon and physician whether you are a candidate for any of these procedures.

What are the advantages of the Laparoscopic method?

The advantage of the laparoscopic approach is that it usually provides:

• Reduced postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• A faster return to work
• Improved cosmetic result

How is laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery performed?

• Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) involves reinforcing the “valve” between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus – much the way a bun wraps around a hot dog.
• In a laparoscopic procedure, surgeons use small incisions (1/4 to 1/2 inch) to enter the abdomen through cannulas (narrow tube-like instruments). The laparoscope, which is connected to a tiny video camera, is inserted through the small incision, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal organs on a television screen.
• The entire operation is performed “inside” after the abdomen is expanded by inflating gas into it.

What should i expect after surgery?

• Patients are encouraged to engage in light activity while at home after surgery.
• Post operative pain is generally mild although some patients may require prescription pain medication.
• Anti-reflux medication is usually not required after surgery.
• Some surgeons modify patients diet after surgery beginning with liquids followed by gradual advance to solid foods. You should ask your surgeon about dietary restrictions immediately after the operation.
• You will probably be able to get back to your normal activities within a short amount of time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, lifting, working and engaging in sexual intercourse.
• Call and schedule a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks after your operation.

Are there side effects to this operation?

Studies have shown that the vast majority of patients who undergo the procedure are either symptom-free or have significant improvement in their GERD symptoms.

Long-term side effects to this procedure are generally uncommon.

• Some patients develop temporary difficulty swallowing immediately after the operation. This usually resolves within one to three months after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may require a procedure to stretch the esophagus (endoscopic dilation) or rarely re-operation.
• The ability to belch and or vomit may be limited following this procedure. Some patients report stomach bloating.
• Rarely, some patients report no improvement in their symptoms.

What complications can occur?

Although the operation is considered safe, complications may occur as they may occur with any operation. Complications may include but are not limited to:

• Adverse reaction to general anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Injury to the esophagus, spleen, stomach or internal organs
• Infection of the wound, abdomen, or blood.
• Other less common complications may also occur.

Your surgeon may wish to discuss these with you. (S)He will also help you decide if the risks of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery are less than non-operative management.

When to call your doctor?

Be sure to call your physician or surgeon if you develop any of the following:

• Bleeding
• Increasing abdominal swelling
• Chills
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C)
• Pain that is not relieved by your medications
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
• Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
• You are unable to eat or drink liquids