Signs You May Need Reflux Surgery
You’re losing sleep, your throat is in constant pain, and medications and management techniques are proving ineffective. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider reflux surgery.
Even as surgical experts, we understand that not every problem warrants a surgical solution, but we recognize that there are times when surgery is what can provide you with the relief you need. Such is often the case with reflux surgery, which we offer here at Rockwall Surgical Specialists.
Here’s a look at when reflux surgery may be your best option for regaining your wellness and quality of life.
You struggle with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Estimates place the number of people struggling with GERD at 20% of the U.S. population — or one in five people. Most people with GERD are able to manage the condition with:
- Medications
- Avoiding certain foods
- Eating smaller meals
- Not eating before bed
- Making lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking)
- Sleeping with their head elevated
These techniques can often go a long way toward reducing the gastroesophageal reflux, but there can also be times when GERD persists despite best efforts. Not only is the discomfort unbearable, but this type of prolonged reflux can also damage or narrow your esophagus and lead to even larger problems down the road.
If you’ve tried every technique and medication available, yet your GERD continues to plague you, it’s likely time to consider reflux surgery.
You’ve developed a hiatal hernia
A hernia is a condition in which a piece of an organ or tissue protrudes into another space through a weak spot. With a hiatal hernia, a piece of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and causes problems in your esophagus — namely, too much acid reflux.
Not all hiatal hernias are problematic, but if we find that your GERD is likely caused by a hiatal hernia, the problem may warrant surgical correction.
About reflux surgery
Now that we’ve discussed the two scenarios in which reflux surgery is appropriate, we want to quickly review the procedure so you better understand how we can put an end to your discomfort.
Called a Nissen fundoplication, the goal behind this surgery is to create a better valve between your stomach and your esophagus. To do this, we take part of your stomach and wrap it around the bottom of your esophagus. At the same time, we repair your hiatal hernia if that’s the cause of your problems.
Rest assured, we perform reflux surgery using the most advanced techniques available, including laparoscopy.
If you’re struggling with reflux problems, please contact one of our locations in Rowlett, Rockwall, Greenville, Forney, and Terrell, Texas, to discuss whether you may be a candidate for reflux surgery.