{"id":1787,"date":"2023-03-08T10:22:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T10:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-surgical-physicians\/?p=1787"},"modified":"2023-03-17T10:30:23","modified_gmt":"2023-03-17T10:30:23","slug":"acid-reflux-gerd-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-surgical-physicians\/blog\/acid-reflux-gerd-surgery-everything-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Acid Reflux (Gerd) Surgery – Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

GERD, or chronic acid reflux, is a disorder of the digestive system that affects the esophagus. In this condition, acid is persistently leaking into the esophagus (the tube leading from the throat to the stomach) from different contents in your stomach. This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter valve fails to close correctly when food enters the stomach, and the acid backlash finds a way to flow back up to the esophagus, throat, and even the mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And while this happens to everyone at least once in their lifetime, some people develop chronic GERD (heartburn) issues. Some patients may turn to acid reflux medicine or even heartburn surgery in more severe cases. Dr. Saphiro and Dr. Eldredge and their expert staff at <\/span>Advanced Surgical Physicians in Wellington<\/span><\/a> entirely understand the challenges GERD patients face and, as such, compiled this blog entry about acid reflux surgery and about the main characteristics of GERD.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hopefully, this article will answer all your questions. If not, you can always contact us and schedule an appointment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More About Acid Reflux<\/b><\/h2>\n

The main signs of the condition are acid regurgitation and constant heartburn, even though some patients may not experience heartburn, chest pain, trouble swallowing, and hoarseness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On that note, heartburn is often used interchangeably with acid reflux, but in reality, it’s a symptom of GERD. The burning sensation in the patient’s chest is caused by stomach acid, which irritates the esophageal lining. Usually, heartburn gets worse after meals, and it can worsen even further when the patient lies in bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, OTC acid reflux medications can help manage the problem, but in some instances, fundoplication or acid reflux surgery is required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

As mentioned above, acid reflux results from a weakened lower valve in the esophageal (lower esophageal sphincter), which would normally close tightly after food leaves the esophagus, not letting acidic stomach contents enter the esophagus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The following factors may cause this valve to relax to the point that it doesn’t close tightly:<\/span><\/p>\n