GERD is a condition in which stomach acid comes back into your esophagus. The condition can be a chronic disease, causing symptoms that can become painful, such as heartburn and acid reflux. While some people may manage symptoms with medications or antacids, there are those who may not get any relief. Surgery is needed when you develop massive damage to your esophagus, you decide to not take medications for long-term treatment or symptoms return despite medication treatment.
Reflux Surgery
Reflux surgery is performed as a means to block acid from maneuvering its way back into your esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, most patients are treated with acid suppression (medications) before being considered for surgery. Yet when symptoms are severe and persist for months, despite acid suppression treatments, surgery is the only option for resolving GERD symptoms. Surgery procedures repair the valve that causes your stomach acids to flow into your esophagus.
Fundoplication
Fundoplication helps to alleviate GERD symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, fundoplication is the most common procedure performed for gastroesphageal reflux. The procedure takes your upper stomach and wraps it around the lower part of your esophagus. The stomach is then secured to the esophagus. The securing of the stomach around the esophagus creates a strengthened barrier.
Stretta System
According to the Mayo Clinic, the stretta system uses a type of electrode energy to create scar tissue within your esophagus. The electrode energy heats your esophageal tissues, which severs all nerves that are associated with causing acid to reflux. When the scar tissue begins to heal, muscles within your esophagus become strengthened.
EndoCinch
EndoCinch is a procedure where sutures are placed within the stomach at the site of your weakened muscles. In the procedure, a surgical tool that looks much like a sewing machine is used. Once the sutures are created, barriers are formed within your stomach. As a result, the procedure prevents the backwash of stomach acids from flowing into your esophagus.
Complications
It is important to treat GERD symptoms, as chronic effects from the disease can lead to serious complications. Over time, your esophagus can begin to narrow. A condition known as esophageal stricture occurs when cells within your lower esophagus become damaged. As a result, you will develop severe scar tissue, which causes you to have difficulty in swallowing. Other complications can include ulcer formation and Barret's esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the tissue lining of your lower esophagus begins to change. As a result, these changes can lead to esophageal cancer.
