Nearly a third of the adults in the United States experience issues with heartburn or acid reflux on a weekly basis. Some of these individuals are suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is chronic acid reflux that does not respond to medication or lifestyle changes. GERD is normally a symptom of a weak esophageal sphincter, a hiatal hernia, or both and will require surgical intervention. The surgical procedures used to repair these causes of GERD are called laparoscopic fundoplication surgery and hiatal hernia repair.
What Is GERD?
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a disorder that causes some acidic stomach juices to travel up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the throat, chest, or neck and can lead to damage to the esophagus if left untreated.
What Causes Gerd?
GERD can happen occasionally and be temporary or it can be a chronic everyday occurrence. Individuals who experience chronic GERD are usually suffering from issues with their LES or a hiatal hernia.
Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
The food we eat travels from our mouths down into the stomach through a long tube known as the esophagus. At the point where the stomach connects to the esophagus is a small ring-like muscle (lower esophageal sphincter LES) that opens to let food pass and then closes to keep the food in the stomach to be digested. When this valve does not work properly and remains open too long or will not close, it allows acid from the stomach to back-flow into the esophagus.
Hiatal hernia
What Is a Hiatal Hernia? IBI Healthcare Institute
Call and speak to our physicians about laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and/or hiatal hernia repair. They can help you with your GERD.
Another issue that can cause GERD is a hiatal hernia. The diaphragm naturally has a small hole for the top portion of the stomach to pass through located at the connection point to the esophagus. If this hole is stretched enough, it can allow the stomach to migrate upward through the diaphragm. Shifting even a few centimeters can cause symptoms of GERD.
Many people experience temporary GERD which is usually caused by:
What Happens If GERD Is Left Untreated?
The lining inside the esophagus will become irritated, inflamed, and eventually damaged which can result in:
Narrowing of the esophagus
Stomach acid can cause scar tissue to build up and gradually narrow the size of the esophagus which can make it difficult to swallow food.
Esophageal ulcer
The acid from the stomach can erode the esophageal tissue and create an open sore causing pain, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.
Increased risk
of esophageal cancer
Repeated exposure to harsh stomach acid can cause the cells in the lower esophagus to change and lead to a condition called “Barrett’s esophagus” which can eventually become cancerous.
What Is The Treatment For Chronic GERD?
The treatment for GERD when medication and lifestyle choices have not been effective is a surgical procedure that is performed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery is considered the “Gold Standard ” in GERD surgical treatment and is performed under general anesthesia to repair the LES valve at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. Often during the same surgery, a hiatal hernia repair is done to reposition the stomach so it does not protrude into the diaphragm.
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How Is Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication and Hiatal Hernia
Repair Performed?
Making the necessary repairs to treat GERD often requires two procedures, the first to repair the performance of the lower esophageal muscle and the second to repair the hiatal hernia.
The typical steps involved are:
What Are Different Types of Fundoplication? IBI Healthcare Institute
Learn the different types of fundoplication from this animation video.
Who Is A Candidate For Nissen Fundoplication and
Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery?
Patients of any age who have chronic acid reflux that has been unresponsive to alternative non-invasive treatments may be a candidate for laparoscopic fundoplication and hiatal hernia repair surgery.
What Are The Benefits Of Nissen Fundoplication?
- Laparoscopic surgery carries fewer risks;
- Excellent results – 95% success rate;
- Very little pain associated with recovery;
- Shorter hospital stay;
- Performed through only a few small incisions;
- Recovery time is faster.
What Are The Risks Of Laparoscopic Fundoplication and
Hiatal Hernia Repair Surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery generally carries fewer risks than open surgery and is associated with less pain and quicker recovery times however, as with any surgical procedure there are associated risks which may include the risk of negative reaction to general anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and injury to internal organs.
The cost of the surgery to treat GERD will depend on which procedures are being performed, the presence of a hiatal hernia, the extent of the repairs necessary, the use of mesh, etc. Feel free to check for a pricing estimate using our price checker tool.
How Much does Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication Cost?
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