Acid
Reflux
Acid
reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn't function normally and
the stomach contents backflow into the esophagus. This is fairly common among
people, but pregnant women and old people are more susceptible to it. Acid reflux
can be caused by trigger foods like chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus
fruits, fatty and spicy food. Personal habits like lying down after eating,
sleeping on a flat surface and eating a few large meals can also aggravate the
situation.
Anxiety
and stress are often felt in the stomach.
Stress increases pressure, causing gastric muscles to contract and
pushing the stomach contents. It can also cause certain body parts to shut down
or go into an overdrive. As such acid production may increase. Although there
is no concrete evidence, it is believed that acid
reflux stress maybe related to anxiety. Stress can magnify the symptoms
of an acid reflux too.
Complete
information on acid reflux and GERD can be found on Refluxmd.
Surgical
procedures and options
Acid
reflux can be managed with diet, lifestyle changes and medication. However, in
some cases, doctors can advise on surgical options. There are various
procedures that can be used to address a reflux problem.
1) Nissen
Fundoplication
People
with chronic and severe esophageal reflux may need surgery if their symptoms
are not relieved by other available means. If left untreated, it can morph into
a serious medical condition like cancer. Hence Nissen Fundoplication or Laparoscopic
antireflux surgery
is used when all other methods don't work.
In
this procedure, small incisions are made to the abdomen.
The upper part of the stomach is then wrapped around the lower esophageal
sphincter to make it sturdy and support it to perform its function. This is the
most popular surgical procedure used by doctors to treat severe GERD cases.
2) Transoral
Incisionless Fundoplication
Transoral
Incisionless Fundoplication or TIF is used when fundoplication is not
appropriate. This procedure creates a barrier between the stomach and the
esophagus, which prevents reflux. The procedure doesn't need any incisions,
while a device known as EsophyX is
inserted through the mouth. It creates a fold at the base of the esophagus and
they form a new valve. There are no cuts made and is perfectly safe for patients
with GERD.
3)
Stretta Procedure
A
flexible, thin tube known as an endoscope is put into the esophagus. An
electrode at the tip of heats the esophageal tissue and creates small cuts into
it. These cuts form scar tissue and block nerves that respond to acid. This
procedure is new, and a doctor's advice is needed to decide on usage.
4) Linx Surgery
A special device called Linx is inserted and wrapped around
the lower esophageal sphincter. It is made of titanium, with small magnetic
beads. This process strengthens the sphincter as the magnetic force closes the
passage that allows a reflux but is not strong enough to stop passage of food.
This procedure is minimally invasive and recovery time is very short.
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