Can Surgery Cure Acid Reflux: What You Need to Know

Do you suffer from acid reflux, a common condition that causes heartburn, regurgitation, and other uncomfortable symptoms? Have you tried to change your lifestyle and medication, but still struggle with persistent symptoms or complications? If so, you may be a candidate for surgery to treat acid reflux. While surgery is not the first line of treatment for most people with acid reflux, it can be a highly effective option for those who do not respond to other treatments or who have severe symptoms or complications. We will explore the different types of surgery for acid reflux, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during the recovery and long-term follow-up.

American Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) (ref. link) guidelines state that 85%-93% of surgical procedures for GERD are curative.

When Is Surgery for Acid Reflux Necessary?

Surgery for acid reflux is not the first option for most people. In general, medication and lifestyle changes are the go-to to manage acid reflux symptoms. However, surgery may be necessary in some cases when other treatments have failed or when the person has severe symptoms or complications. The following are the criteria for surgery:

Failure of Medical Management: If acid reflux symptoms persist despite medical management, surgery may be considered. Medical management includes the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 (H2) blockers, which are the most common medications used to treat acid reflux.

Severe Symptoms: Surgery may also be considered for people who have severe symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life, such as difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or asthma.

Complications: Surgery may be necessary for people who have complications of acid reflux, such as Barrett’s esophagus, strictures, or chronic respiratory problems.

Surgery for acid reflux is considered when other treatments have failed, when a person has severe symptoms, or when complications are present. Surgery can address the underlying causes of acid reflux, such as hiatal hernia or weak LES muscle, and provide long-term relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Types of Surgery for Acid Reflux

While most cases of acid reflux can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes, some patients may require surgery to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. There are several types of surgical procedures available for acid reflux, including laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation, and endoscopic treatments.

Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication:

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (ref. link) is the most common surgical treatments for GERD. During this procedure, a surgeon creates a new valve at the bottom of the esophagus by wrapping the upper part of the stomach around it. This valve prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Laparoscopic surgery is typically used to perform the procedure, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera to guide the surgery.

Benefits: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has a high success rate, with up to 90% of patients experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms. It also has a low risk of complications, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks after surgery.

Risks: Potential risks of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication include difficulty swallowing, bloating, gas, and discomfort in the abdomen.

LINX Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation:

The LINX device is a ring of magnetic beads that is placed around the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that controls the flow of food and stomach acid into the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads creates a barrier that prevents acid from refluxing into the esophagus. The procedure is usually done using laparoscopic surgery.

Benefits: LINX magnetic sphincter (ref. link) augmentation is effective in reducing GERD symptoms and has a low risk of complications. It allows patients to continue eating normally, unlike some other surgical treatments.

Risks: Potential risks of LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation include difficulty swallowing, bloating, gas, and discomfort in the abdomen. The device can also move out of place, requiring additional surgery.

Endoscopic Treatments:

Endoscopic treatments (ref. link) are minimally invasive procedures that are performed using an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube with a camera and surgical instruments attached to it. These procedures include radiofrequency ablation (RFA), transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), and endoscopic suturing.

RFA involves using heat energy to destroy the tissue that forms the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows a new, tighter sphincter to form.

TIF involves creating a new valve at the bottom of the esophagus by folding the upper part of the stomach using a special device.

Endoscopic suturing involves placing sutures in the lower esophageal sphincter to create a tighter seal and prevent acid reflux.

Benefits: Endoscopic treatments are minimally invasive and do not require incisions, which reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery time.

Risks: Potential risks of endoscopic treatments include difficulty swallowing, bloating, gas, and discomfort in the abdomen. There is also a risk of the procedure not being effective in controlling symptoms, requiring additional treatment.

Overall, the choice of surgery for acid reflux depends on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, their overall health, and other factors. Patients should discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure with their doctor to determine the best option for their individual needs.

Preparing for Acid Reflux Surgery:

Preparing for acid reflux surgery typically involves a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, assess the overall health of the patient, and determine whether surgery is the best treatment option. This process may involve a number of different tests and consultations with various medical professionals.

Diagnostic Tests:

The preoperative evaluation for acid reflux surgery typically involves several diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and assess the severity of the condition. These tests may include:

• Upper Endoscopy: This procedure involves passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end down the patient’s throat and into the esophagus to examine the lining of the esophagus and stomach for signs of inflammation, ulcers, or other damage.
• Esophageal pH monitoring: This test involves inserting a small, flexible tube through the nose and into the esophagus to measure the amount of acid reflux over a 24-hour period.
• Esophageal manometry: This test measures the strength and coordination of the muscles in the esophagus that move food and liquids to the stomach.

Medical Consultations:

In addition to diagnostic tests, the preoperative evaluation for acid reflux surgery may involve consultations with various medical professionals, such as a gastroenterologist, anesthesiologist, and surgeon. These consultations may help to determine the best course of treatment for the patient and assess the risks associated with surgery.

Discussing Risks and Benefits:

It is important for patients and their families to understand the risks and benefits associated with acid reflux surgery before making a decision to undergo the procedure. The surgeon and other medical professionals involved in the patient’s care should take the time to explain the potential risks and benefits of the surgery, as well as the possible outcomes of the procedure.

Addressing Concerns and Questions:

Patients and their families may have questions or concerns about the procedure, including the recovery process, potential complications, and long-term outcomes. It is important for medical professionals to address these concerns and questions and provide the patient with the information they need to make an informed decision about their care.

Preparing for acid reflux surgery involves a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to confirm the diagnosis, assess the overall health of the patient, and determine the best course of treatment. This process involves diagnostic tests, medical consultations, and discussions about the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as addressing any concerns or questions the patient and their family may have.

After the surgery, it is important to follow a recovery plan to ensure a smooth healing process and maximize the benefits of the procedure. Postoperative care, success rates, and long-term outcomes of acid reflux surgery will be discussed in the next section.

Postoperative Care:

Pain Management: The pain after acid reflux surgery can be managed with prescription pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the appropriate medication and dosage.

Diet and Activity Restrictions: Following surgery, you may be placed on a liquid diet for a few days before slowly transitioning to soft foods and eventually to a regular diet. Your healthcare provider will advise you on what foods to avoid (such as spicy and acidic foods), and how to chew your food thoroughly to prevent discomfort. You may also be advised to limit physical activity for a few weeks after surgery to allow your body to heal.

Follow-up Appointments: It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. During these appointments, your provider will evaluate your symptoms, check your incisions, and provide further instructions on diet and activity.

Importance of Following the Recommended Recovery Plan:

Following the recommended recovery plan is crucial to ensure a successful outcome and prevent complications. Complications after surgery can include bleeding, infection, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience any complications or concerns during the recovery process, it is important to report them to your healthcare provider immediately.

Success rates and Long-Term outcomes: 

Success Rates: Acid reflux surgery has a success rate of around 90% for reducing symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. In comparison, medical management with proton pump inhibitors has a success rate of around 50%.

Long-Term Outcomes: The long-term outcomes of acid reflux surgery include the ability to stop or reduce medication use and the prevention of complications associated with long-term use of medication. Many patients are able to discontinue or reduce their use of proton pump inhibitors after surgery, resulting in monetary savings and a reduced risk of side effects. Additionally, surgery can prevent long-term complications such as esophageal stricture and Barrett’s esophagus.

Acid reflux surgery is a highly successful treatment option for GERD. Following a recommended recovery plan and attending all follow-up appointments is crucial to ensure a successful outcome and prevent complications. Long-term outcomes of surgery include a reduction in medication use and the prevention of complications associated with long-term use of medication. If you are considering acid reflux surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

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Frequently Asked Questions :

What is anti-reflux surgery?

Anti-reflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, is a surgical procedure used to treat severe or chronic cases of acid reflux. The surgery involves wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to reinforce the barrier between the stomach and esophagus.

How do I know if I need anti-reflux surgery?

If you experience chronic or severe acid reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, you may be a candidate for anti-reflux surgery. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is the best treatment option for you.

What are the benefits of anti-reflux surgery?

The benefits of anti-reflux surgery include long-term relief from acid reflux symptoms, a reduced need for medication, and improved quality of life. The surgery can also help prevent complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, and esophageal cancer.

What are the risks of anti-reflux surgery?

The risks of anti-reflux surgery include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. In rare cases, the surgery can cause difficulty swallowing, bloating, or gas. Before deciding to undergo surgery, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor about the risks and advantages..

How long is the recovery period after anti-reflux surgery?

The recovery period after anti-reflux surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days to a week after surgery, but it may take several weeks to fully recover.

What lifestyle changes should I make after anti-reflux surgery?

After anti-reflux surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. You may also need to avoid certain foods that can trigger acid reflux symptoms, such as spicy or acidic foods.

Can anti-reflux surgery be performed laparoscopically?

Yes, anti-reflux surgery can be performed laparoscopically, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a laparoscope to perform the surgery. This minimally invasive approach can reduce scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

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