How to Get Minimally Invasive GERD Surgery

Many people suffer from GERD, persistent acid reflux in which heartburn and indigestion occurs more than twice a week. Sometimes lifestyle and diet changes recommended by doctors are too difficult or don't work, and sometimes prescribed medicine is ineffective or too expensive. What can you do? When your doctor has exhausted the common methods of dealing with GERD, you might want to ask about GERD surgery before complications like damaged lining of the esophagus, narrowing of the esophagus, bleeding ulcers, or esophageal cancer occur.

Instructions

How to Get Minimally Invasive GERD Surgery

1. Ask if the standard surgical treatment for GERD, the Nissen fundoplication, can be done using a laparoscope. In fundoplication, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower esophageal sphincter to strengthen it, prevent acid reflux, and repair hiatal hernias. If a laparoscope is inserted in tiny incisions in the abdomen, you can get the same results with a much faster recovery time.

2. Leave the hospital in 1 to 3 days and return to work in 2 to 3 weeks by having experienced surgeons do laparoscopic fundoplication, which is safe and effective for people of all ages, including infants.

3. Ask about a noninvasive surgical procedure called the Stretta system, which uses electrodes to create tiny burns on the lower esophageal sphincter. When the burns heal, the scar tissue strengthens the muscle so it doesn't stay open to allow stomach acid to enter the esophagus.

4. Consider the Bard EndoCinch system that puts stitches in the lower esophageal sphincter. Performed with an endoscope, this makes pleats that strengthen the muscle.

5. Ask about the NDO Plicator, another noninvasive surgical method that uses an endoscope to stitch pleats into the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to prevent acid reflux from occurring.

Tips & Warnings

• Do try diet and lifestyle changes before asking about surgery. That may be all you need.

• Remember that all surgical procedures carry some risk. Ask your doctor to go over the risks and benefits of surgery.