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Anti Reflux Surgery or Fundoplication

An Overview

 

Anti-reflux surgery or fundoplication is a condition in which gastric acid comes back up from the stomach into the oesophagus. In this procedure, the surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the oesophagus (food pipe) to create a valve-like mechanism at the gastroesophageal junction. The surgery is done using general anaesthesia, and it takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform the surgery.

What Symptoms Should I Watch Out For?

Some typical symptoms include phlegm (which may have an acid or sour taste), throat pain, nausea and a burning feeling in the chest. Other symptoms include: ● Coughing ● Chest pain ● Fullness after meals ● Heartburn (some people may experience this even when they are not lying down) and ● Difficulty in swallowing.

Probable Treatment

There are 2 types of treatment for anti-reflux surgery: medical treatment-drugs and surgery.

Medical treatment

It can be done for patients who have had GERD for a long time. It usually involves taking medicines that relax the stomach muscles, reduce acid production, decrease how much stomach acid enters the oesophagus, and protect the lining of the oesophagus.

Surgical treatment

It is available for people who have moderate to severe symptoms that do not get better. Surgery is also an option for people who have complications from GERD.

Risk Factors

When you suffer from reflux, it can seem like nothing will ever be good enough to cure the symptoms. The anti-reflux surgery is a way for many to live normal lives without the need for taking medications. This surgery also provides relief from other issues with digestion such as the inability to sleep and heartburn. There are certain risks that come with this type of procedure, but there is also a huge benefit in having it done if you have been suffering from reflux.