GERD

Most people suffer from heartburn from time to time, but some individuals experience it on a daily basis. They tend to reach for acid blockers like Prilosec and end up taking them daily for years, not realizing these medications can also have unwanted consequences on the health.

When taken for a prolonged period of time, acid blockers can cause troubling side effects, many related to malabsorption of important nutrients by the digestive tract and alterations in the intestinal biome. These conditions include an increased risk of developing pneumonia, C. difficile infections, osteoporosis, and even dementia. Thus, if you have daily heartburn even after finishing a course of acid blockers, your best bet is to talk to a surgeon about getting treated for GERD.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD for short, is caused by a malfunction of the sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus, which normally closes after swallowing to keep the stomach contents inside on the stomach. If the sphincter doesn’t close normally, the acidic contents can reflux up the esophagus, causing typical heartburn symptoms.

However, GERD isn’t just unpleasant, it can be life-threatening because chronic exposure to stomach contents can induce the formation of esophageal ulcers, narrowing and even cancer. Esophageal cancer has an overall five-year survival rate for all stages combined of only 19%; even for early-stage disease, the five-year survival rate is only around 45%. Thus, it is important to treat GERD.

Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery.

The most common technique for reflux surgery is laparoscopically which is done via very small incisions. Dr. Fiszer can also use a robot which enhances the visualization.

You can expect to spend an average of one night at the hospital once the surgery is completed. Recovery time will range anywhere from two to three weeks. Since there will be smaller incisions, your recovery time will be much shorter and your risk for infection post-surgery is greatly reduced.

After your surgery is complete, you will be given instructions from your doctor about what diet to follow for the first few weeks. Before going back to eating normally.

Who Is Eligible For Antireflux Surgery?

If you have been experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease that is not responding to medical treatment or you do not wasn’t to be on antacid medication for the rest of your life you may be a good candidate for anti reflux surgery. Based on your medical and surgical history and the results of your tests Dr. Fiszer will discuss with you which procedure is be the best in your specific case.

If you think you are already a good candidate please call our office for a consultation at 786-310-2283 and start living reflux free!.