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People who suffer from GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease are in plenty around the country. It is known as heartburn and is very common. When the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) does not close up correctly, gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs and stomach bile and acid come back, or reflux, in the oesophagus which causes much irritation and heartburn. It is a chronic disease which once affected last life long. Most people soothe their heart burn with antacids. There are various kinds of natural and home remedies that can really help to soothe the problem to quite an extent. There are various over the counter medicines prescribed by doctors that help to bring much relief to patients that suffer from GERD. Life style changes can bring about much relief. Much of the problem can be overcome by avoiding various foods that can aggravate the disease. Citrus foods, oily food, spicy food, alcohol, etc all help to aggravate the disease.
Today many patients suffering from acute gastroesophageal reflux disease opt for surgery. Patients go for GERD surgical procedures when they see that the medication and lifestyles changes are not bringing about much relief to their problem. In some patients medical treatment and medicines cause many side effects. This also compels many patients to try GERD surgical procedures. One of the popular GERD surgical procedures includes Nissen fundoplication. This surgical procedure was founded by a German Surgeon Rudolf Nissen. Here the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the oesophagus in order to check reflux. The lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) or the valve between the oesophagus and the stomach is strengthened. Depending on the situation the operation is done either through a traditional open surgery or through laparoscopic method. Today more and more people prefer the laparoscopic method as there is not much incision in this method. About 95% of people have reported improvement in the reflux with these GERD surgical procedures. Another GERD surgical procedure is the Partial Fundoplication. Here the stomach is wrapped only partway around the oesophagus. Gastropexy is another GERD surgical procedure that many patients go for. Here the stomach is attached to the diaphragm. The stomach then cannot move in this case through the diaphragm opening in the chest. Another GERD surgical procedure that many doctors suggest is the use of Angelchik ring. Here an artificial ring is placed around the oesophagus. This reinforces the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) between the oesophagus and stomach. But there are many complications involved with procedure as there are chances for the ring to move to other places in the body. Intestinal recovery takes a few weeks after the surgery.
People going in for GERD surgical procedures should have much discussion with their doctors before opting for it. In many cases, even after surgery patients still have to continue with medications.
