GERD and Anti-Reflux Surgery at Minnesota Surgical Specialists
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, often abbreviated as GERD, is a very common condition that affects millions of people around the world. The typical symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn and regurgitation of acid. Almost everyone has experienced symptoms of acid reflux in the past, but some people have frequent, recurring episodes that may respond best to surgical treatment.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
What causes GERD?
Several things can cause GERD, including:
-
Having a naturally weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) valve – the muscle that naturally closes the esophagus and prevents acid reflux
-
Having a very full stomach
-
Eating fatty or spicy foods
-
Taking certain medicines
-
Wearing tight clothing, such as tight belts or waistbands
-
Smoking or drinking alcohol
-
Exercising vigorously
-
Being overweight or obese
-
Changing positions – Such as bending over or lying down after eating
-
Having a hiatal hernia
Anti-reflux Surgery
What is anti-reflux sugery?
Anti-reflux surgery refers to surgical procedures that aim to re-establish the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, function and reduce and/or eliminate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In almost all cases, these surgeries can be performed laparoscopically or robotically - surgery performed through small incisions using a telescopic camera or with a surgical robotic which is controlled by their surgeon during the operation.
Surgeries can be highly effective in helping improve control of heartburn and regurgitation symptoms in patients who has not been able to control their symptoms with medications alone. It can also help patients get off of acid-reducing medications or take them significantly less frequently.
Hiatal Hernias
What is a hiatal hernia and fundoplication surgery?
A hiatal hernia refers to a condition where the top of the stomach bulges into the lower part of the chest through a window in the esophagus called the diaphagmatic hiatus. Everyone has a diaphragmatic hiatus, but some people develop a laxity at this site that leads to the opening in the hiatus to become larger over time.
​
Hiatal hernias are a very common cause of acid reflux as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes very lax and allows acid to reflux into the esophagus, leading to the typical symptoms of acid reflux.
​
As part of anti-reflux surgery, your surgical specialist will fix your hiatal hernia as the first step of the operation
After completion of the hiatal hernia repair, your surgeon will typically perform something called a "fundoplication" or "fundoplasty". This involves taking the top portion of the stomach and wrapping it around the lower esophagus, creating a "wrap" that strengthens the LES valve and helps prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
