English
Anti-Reflux Surgeon in Mukundapur

Anti-reflux surgery

Anti Reflux Surgery in Mukundapur

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, causes the uncomfortable sensation of heartburn due to stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus. GERD is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, typically starting with lifestyle changes and anti-acid medications. However, Anti-reflux Surgery offers a promising alternative for those who do not find sufficient relief from these measures.

Anti-reflux Surgery in Mukundapur aims to strengthen the lower oesophagal sphincter- a valve that prevents stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus- thereby providing long-term relief from GERD symptoms and potentially reducing the need for continuous medication. Candidates for surgery undergo a thorough evaluation to assess their overall health and specific GERD symptoms to ensure suitability for the procedure.

The benefits of Anti-reflux Surgery extend beyond symptom relief. Patients may experience a reduced risk of complications associated with GERD, such as Barrett’s oesophagus or oesophagal cancer. Additionally, the surgery can significantly enhance quality of life by minimising discomfort and improving daily functioning. Routine follow-up visits with healthcare professionals are essential to monitor the outcomes, manage complications, and ensure continued symptom control.
 

FAQ's

Initially, your physician may attempt to use medication and lifestyle modifications to address your acid reflux. These adjustments may include eating at different times of the day, removing items that trigger allergic reactions from your diet, decreasing your weight, and avoiding clothes that press against your stomach. In general, medications lessen the quantity of acid the stomach generates. Anti-reflux Surgery will be taken into consideration if these treatments prove ineffective. If your symptoms are severe or you have issues like ulcers, scarring, persistent pneumonia, or oesophagal constriction, surgery can also be advised. 
 

  • Nissen Fundoplication: The most popular Nissen Fundoplication strengthens the oesophagal valve by encircling the upper stomach around it.

  • Toupet Fundoplication: A partial oesophagal wrap that keeps part of the stomach functional.

  • Dor Fundoplication: A more comprehensive wrapping technique guarantees a better-fitting valve compared to Toupet.

  • LINX Reflux Management System: A magnetic device that is placed around the lower airway (LES) to stop acid reflux and maintain regular swallowing.

  • Endoluminal Fundoplication: An endoscopic, minimally invasive technique that uses clips to restructure the LES and stop reflux.

The surgeon will access your abdomen during anti-reflux surgery by either making a wider incision (laparoscopy) or a smaller one. The major objective is to stop acid reflux by strengthening the valve that separates your stomach and oesophagus. This is done by wrapping the top part of your stomach around the lower oesophagus.

Two common methods are:

Nissen Fundoplication: A complete wrap of the stomach around the oesophagus, which provides a strong barrier against reflux.

Toupet Fundoplication: A partial wrap, which is slightly looser to reduce the chance of swallowing problems.

Both techniques aim to reduce acid reflux and improve symptoms. The choice of method depends on your specific condition and your surgeon's recommendation.
 

Patients usually stay in the hospital for one to three days following surgery. The purpose of this observation phase is to make sure the patient can tolerate consuming enough liquids to be hydrated and is not experiencing nausea or vomiting. The standard discharge diet for patients is a soft, pureed, or liquid diet. After surgery, patients may have different dietary restrictions, but generally, they should gradually transition to a solid diet over two to eight weeks. After a few weeks, the dietary limitations are progressively removed, and the patient advances through a post-Nissen or soft diet. For a few weeks following surgery, many surgeons advise their patients to limit their intake of liquid or crushed drugs.
 

Though these surgeries have a high success rate and enhance the life of the individual, they also carry some potential complications besides numerous advantages, such as: 

  • Dysphagia: Excessive constriction can result in dysphagia, a disorder marked by trouble with swallowing

  • Gas bloating syndrome: Being unable to burp or throw up, which is uncomfortable, is known as gas bloating syndrome

  • Diarrhoea: A consequence of altered intestinal function

  • Unintentional weight loss: As a result of eating differently after surgery

  • Infection: Possibility of contracting an infection at the site of surgery

  • Bleeding: Potential bleeding that may occur during or after surgery

  • Damage to neighbouring organs: Like the diaphragm, oesophagus, or stomach

  • Recurrent reflux: If the wrap becomes looser over time, symptoms could come back

A large proportion (around 85–90%) of individuals who receive Anti-reflux Surgery experience considerable relief from symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation. Generally, the procedure is successful, with most patients reporting an improved quality of life and reduced reliance on medication. While a small number may require additional treatments or experience a recurrence of symptoms, the overall long-term success rates are highly favourable.
 

Adjusting one's lifestyle to avoid trigger meals, particularly before bed, and raising one's head a little in bed are viable alternatives to Anti-reflux Surgery. Losing weight can also help with symptoms. Medications known as proton pump inhibitors effectively lower stomach acid, alleviate inflammation in the oesophagus and relieve symptoms. The LINX treatment, which creates a valve around the oesophagus using magnetic beads, is an additional surgical alternative. Treatment selections are based on individual preference and degree of symptoms; if drugs are not working, have adverse effects, or are not preferred over the long term, surgery is usually taken into consideration.