Nissen Fundoplication for Acid Reflux
What is Acid Reflux/GERD?
Acid reflux is a condition that many of our patients refer to as heartburn. This is due to the burning sensation it causes in the chest, which is actually a result of stomach acid moving from the stomach back into the esophagus. When a patient experiences mild acid reflux twice a week or moderate acid reflux at least once a week, they are diagnosed with
Trusted Source
GERD
Mayo Clinic
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GERD
(gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Symptoms of GERD
- Burning pain in the chest (heartburn) that is more common after eating or at night
- The feeling that food is coming back up
- Chronic sore throat
- A scratchy or hoarse voice
- Persistent cough
- Pain upon swallowing
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Nausea
- Frequent burping
- Vomiting
- Acidic or bitter taste in the mouth
-
Trusted Source
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
American Gastroenterological Association
Go to Source
Bad breath
What Causes GERD?
The esophageal sphincter is a band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus. The sphincter relaxes when you swallow, allowing food to move into the stomach, then closes. In some patients, the sphincter has a lower pressure, which causes stomach acid to wash back into the esophagus.
GERD Risks and Complications
In addition to being uncomfortable, GERD and frequent acid reflux can lead to a host of potentially serious health problems, including:
- Inflammation of the esophagus
- Esophageal bleeding
- Esophageal ulcers
- Narrowing of the esophagus
In rare cases, GERD can lead to Barrett esophagus, which is a precursor to cancer.
What To Expect From This Procedure
Nissen Fundoplication for GERD Treatment
Nissen fundoplication is a surgical procedure that treats GERD by reinforcing the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce acid reflux into the esophagus.
Preparing for Nissen Fundoplication
When your Nissen fundoplication procedure is scheduled, a member of the Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors team will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery, as well as what you can expect during recovery.
The Nissen Fundoplication Procedure
At Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors, Nissen fundoplication is performed robotically under general anesthesia. To begin the procedure, the surgeon makes a number of small abdominal incisions so that a tiny camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments access the area. Then, a portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophagus to tighten the esophageal sphincter.
Recovery After Nissen Fundoplication
After Nissen fundoplication, patients stay in the hospital for 12 hours. Most patients get back to their normal activities within a few weeks. Many of our patients are able to stop taking heartburn medications completely after their Nissen fundoplication procedure.
Contact Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors
If you suffer from GERD or chronic acid reflux, a Nissen fundoplication procedure may help you achieve considerable relief. To learn more about this treatment option, please contact Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors to schedule a consultation.
1 Mayo Clinic. GERD. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940#:~:text=Gastroesophageal%20reflux%20disease%20(GERD)%20occurs,reflux%20from%20time%20to%20time. Accessed December 21, 2022.
2 American Gastroenterological Association. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Available: https://patient.gastro.org/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/. Accessed December 21, 2022.
The doctors at Long Island Laparoscopic Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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