Anti-reflux surgery
Antireflux surgery is performed to correct the reflux of acid up into the gullet from the
stomach. The main symptom of reflux is heartburn (a burning pain felt under the breast bone). In the past the only surgical option was the open method, which involved a large cut in either the upper part of the abdomen or the chest. This was a very painful procedure and involved at least 5-7 days in hospital, plus a long recovery period. The same procedure is now performed
laparoscopically, using what is popularly known as the keyhole approach. The operation is performed through 5 small puncture holes instead of through a large incision, and involves usually only an overnight stay in hospital.
What is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease?
As the term implies, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is reflux of the stomach contents into the lower part of the gullet. The majority of the stomach contents are
acid; this acid burns the lower part of the gullet causing damage. The burning is felt as heartburn, a burning sensation that radiates through the chest and may radiate up to the throat and neck. The basic cause of this problem is the break down of a valve that normally exists between the stomach and the gullet preventing reflux occurring. Other symptoms that may occur are acid regurgitation where acid is felt coming back into the mouth; vomiting, particularly on stooping and bending;
choking attacks, particularly at night; chronic cough and difficulty in swallowing. If this acid regurgitation is allowed to continue, it may cause damage which can lead to narrowing of the gullet and thus lead to difficulty in swallowing.
What contributes to causing gastro-oesophageal reflux?
Some people are born with a naturally low sphincter pressure and reflux from a very early age. In adult life, reflux may be precipitated by
fatty and spicy foods, tight clothing, smoking, alcohol and being
overweight. In
pregnancy, reflux nearly always occurs due to the pressure of the baby pushing the stomach up and aiding reflux. A hiatus hernia may also be present. Under these circumstances, a small part of the stomach has ridden up through the diaphragm into the chest and this situation tends to lead to reflux. However, the presence of a hiatus hernia does not
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