Our Services / Surgical Management of Reflux

What is the surgical management of acid reflux?

The surgical management of acid reflux stops stomach acid from traveling up the esophagus. Acid reflux is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to more severe conditions like Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.

GERD develops when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES — a ring of muscle where the esophagus joins the stomach) weakens. The LES opens when you swallow or need to vomit but remains sealed the rest of the time. If it weakens and doesn’t seal, acid can flow up the esophagus, burning the delicate tissues.

Dr. Al-Kalla at Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants uses state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques to complete most reflux surgeries.

Why would I need surgical management of acid reflux?

You might benefit from acid reflux surgery if you develop GERD and other treatments haven’t helped. GERD symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Lump in the throat
• Food regurgitation
• Difficult swallowing
• Sleeping problems
• New asthma
• Laryngitis
• Chronic cough

Heartburn often gets worse after eating or while lying down.

Diagnosis includes a complete physical exam and blood tests. You might also need an upper endoscopy, acid probe testing, esophageal testing, and/or imaging procedures like X-rays to determine the damage GERD has caused.

Medical GERD management includes dietary changes, weight loss, and medication that reduces acid production. If these treatments don’t work, you might benefit from reflux surgery.

What does the surgical management of acid reflux involve?

Several acid reflux surgeries are available, the main ones being:

Call Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants today or book an appointment online to learn more about the surgical management of reflux.