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We all have experienced heartburn, i.e., the burning sensation in the chest into the throat, especially after a heavy meal. For some people, the discomfort is occasional and manageable.
But for others, acid reflux becomes chronic and becomes a part of everyday life. If you are someone who constantly has to rely on antacids, you might be suffering from GERD.
When medications and lifestyle changes fail to show results, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, also known as GERD laparoscopic surgery, is one of the most effective procedures.
Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a leading gastrosurgeon, recommends the approach to individuals who want to get relief from the symptoms of severe acid reflux.
In this blog, we will break down what laparoscopic fundoplication is, how the procedure works, when it is done and what recovery looks like.
Let’s get started.
Before we start discussing the surgery, it is important to understand the condition and its symptoms.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, short for GERD, is a chronic digestive condition in which the stomach’s contents, including acid and secretions, flow back into the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach).
The constant coming of the acid reflux and digestive enzymes irritates the stomach lining and can lead to long-term damage to the esophagus.
GERD happens when the lower esophageal sphincter muscles become weak or fail to relax properly. In healthy circumstances, the LES acts like a valve, meaning it allows the food to get into the stomach and then closes to prevent acid from moving back up.
When this valve mechanism gets impaired, the acidic contents escape and come to the throat. In mild cases, GERD usually gets resolved with the help of healthy lifestyle modifications, dietary precautions and medicines.
However, when symptoms do not improve or complications arise, GERD laparoscopic surgery is the only option to get relief.
According to Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, individuals with GERD experience the following symptoms.
If you are someone who is experiencing these symptoms, it is advisable to get in touch with your healthcare provider for early diagnosis and treatment options.
Nissen fundoplication is a minimally invasive procedure that is done to strengthen the LES and prevent acid reflux. The method is performed through a laparoscopic approach involving a few small incisions to treat the condition.
During laparoscopic GERD surgery, the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus to tighten the LES valve, which effectively reduces reflux.
Previously, the surgical intervention was carried out through the open method, which involves making large incisions in the abdomen. Though effective, the procedure has major drawbacks, due to which patients refused to undergo the procedure.
Today, GERD surgery is carried out through a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy that offers several advantages, including the following.
It is to be remembered that not everyone needs GERD laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik usually recommends the following individuals.
Have severe and chronic symptoms
Before the procedure, Dr. Bhowmik takes note of the patient’s medical history and recommends various tests to ensure that the method is appropriate and likely to succeed.
GERD laparoscopic surgery is a completely safe procedure with a high success rate. More than 90% of the patients reported significant relief from symptoms like heartburn and acid regurgitation soon after the procedure.
Many patients are able to stop their dependency on long-term acid-suppressing medications. Moreover, long-term studies also showed that nearly 85% of patients remained symptom-free even 10 years after the surgery.
One of the biggest advantages of GERD laparoscopic surgery is a quick return to daily activities. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who can’t take long days of bed rest.
Most patients are discharged from the hospital on the same day or, in some cases, are required to stay for 1 to 2 days. During the initial days of recovery, individuals are asked to stick to a liquid diet and small or frequent meals.
Gradually, they can return to a normal diet after consultation with their doctor. To ensure a quick healing process, Dr. Bhowmik advises patients to avoid overexertion and heavy lifting, which can delay the recovery period.
Some patients can experience the following symptoms, which are part of the normal recovery and resolve within a few days.
GERD laparoscopic surgery usually has a minimal chance of complications, only if it is performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr Purnendu Bhowmik. However, just like any other procedure, some of the rare risks include.
If chronic acid reflux has started to interfere with your daily activities, make sure to contact a gastrosurgeon like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik for expert evaluation. He will assess your symptoms and perform necessary tests to determine if surgery is the right procedure for you.
With a high success rate and faster recovery process, GERD laparoscopic surgery is one of the most reliable treatment approaches for chronic acid reflux.