Know the Benefits of GERD Operations and the Risks

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common gastric disease common. To overcome GERD symptoms, such as burning sensation in the chest and pain solar plexus, you can take stomach acid medication. But if not there are also improvements , You can consider GERD operations.

Esophagus is an organ in the form of a long channel that connects the oral cavity with the stomach. At the lower end of the esophagus is a sphincter which normally only opens when swallowing food.

Know the Benefits of GERD Operations and the Risks

In GERD or commonly referred to as stomach acid disease, this muscle ring is weakened, so that stomach acid and food from the stomach can be pushed or flowed back up. Gastric acid seepage will irritate the esophageal wall and cause various stomach acid complaints.

In general, GERD symptoms can be overcome by taking drugs, such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid or proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid production.

GERD sufferers are also advised to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing excessive body weight, avoiding foods that can irritate the esophagus, and avoid lying down immediately after eating.

However, sometimes medication and lifestyle changes alone are not enough to overcome GERD. If this is the case, a GERD operation is required.

When does GERD Need Operations?

GERD cases require surgery if the patient has one or more of the following conditions:

  • There was no improvement in symptoms after he took drugs and made lifestyle changes as recommended by the doctor.
  • Suffers from severe GERD accompanied by complications, such as Barrett esophagus or stricture (narrowing).
  • Have unusual accompanying symptoms, such as asthma or ingestion of fluid or food from the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Patients do not want to continue taking drugs for long periods of time or cannot take drugs for certain medical reasons.

Benefits of GERD Operations

The purpose of GERD surgery is to wrap or tie the upper part of the stomach (fundus) to the bottom of the esophagus to strengthen the weakened muscle ring in the area. Research shows that in the long run, GERD surgery can have a more beneficial effect than drug consumption.

With surgery, the underlying cause of GERD can be overcome. This is different from the consumption of drugs that only neutralize or reduce the production of stomach acid without addressing the problem of weakened sphincter.

Currently, GERD surgery with the laparoscopic technique is quite common because it only requires a small incision in the abdomen. Through this small incision, an instrument with a camera and a small knife at the end will be inserted into the abdominal cavity.

In addition to the laparoscopic technique, GERD surgery by mouth (transoral fundoplication) which does not require an incision in the abdomen has also begun to be widely used. Research shows that this surgical method is also effective for treating symptoms of GERD.

GERD Operating Risks

As with any medical procedure, GERD surgery is not free from risks. Some of the risks that may occur due to GERD operations are:

  • Tear or prick the wall of the esophagus or stomach during the laparoscopic procedure.
  • Infection in the surgical wound.
  • Difficulty swallowing after surgery.
  • Nausea, bloating, and belching often after surgery.
  • It is difficult to vomit when needed.
  • Gastric acid reflux still occurs.
  • It may require a repeat operation.

If you experience symptoms of GERD, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to get the most appropriate treatment. To avoid this recurrence, you are advised to limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, not to eat in large portions, and not to lie down immediately after eating.

Written by:

dr. Irene Cindy Sunur

Label : Health cat_Health

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