Gerd is a condition that happens when the acid present in the stomach back flows into the food pipe connecting the mouth to stomach. It usually happens when the valve present at the junction of food pipe and stomach becomes faulty due to various conditions.
When the refluxed acid touches the sensitive lining of food pipe also known as esophagus, it causes burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn.
Heart burn or chest pain is the most common of GERD. It is an unpleasant burning sensation in the chest sometimes radiating to throat
Reflux of food particles into the mouth leaving a bitter taste.
In long standing cases, difficulty in swallowing food or food sticking into throat.
Sometimes, reflux is silent and may present with unusual and difficult to diagnose symptoms like voice change, chronic cough or sore throat.
Gerd can also present as respiratory problems like asthma, pneumonia etc. in few patients as a silent manifestation of the disease.
Prolonged presence of acid in the esophagus or food pipe can lead to formation of ulcers or inflammation of esophagus. Patients usually complain of nausea, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing food and may even vomit blood
Some patients may even develop narrowing of the food pipe called as stricture of esophagus. Patients complain of dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing of foods.
Few patients with a long history of GERD can develop a condition called as Barrett’s esophagus. It is a precancerous condition and if GERD is not treated properly, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to development of cancer of esophagus.
Hiatus hernia is a type of hernia which is one of the treatable and most important cause of GERD.
This is a condition which happens when upper part of stomach slides or protrudes into the chest from its normal position in abdomen. The protrusion occurs through a weak point or hole or hiatus in the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the lungs from the abdominal organs.
As a result, the normal function of the valve becomes disrupted and reflux of acid back into the food pipe occurs.
The symptoms of hiatus hernia are almost similar to GERD including heart burn, dysphagia or bitter taste in the mouth.
Some of the common causes include obesity, increased pressure in abdomen due to coughing, vomiting, lifting heavy weights or chronic constipation. Blunt trauma or injury can also lead to development of hernia.
With the development of reliable laparoscopic surgical techniques, as well as more potent medical treatments, the treatment algorithm of GERD has changed.
Our high volume and advanced, cutting edge technology combined with expert specialists means you are getting the superior care you deserve.
Dietary & Life style changes: Reducing weight, cutting down or eliminating smoking and alcohol consumption, and altering eating and sleeping patterns, avoid wearing tight clothes can help majority of the patients.
Drug Therapy:
Drug therapy is usually indicated when dietary and life style changes do not produce desired results. It may be in the form of Antacids which neutralize stomach acids, Proton Pump Inhibitors which suppresses acid production or Prokinetics which increases the motility of stomach. This therapy needs to be discussed with your surgeon.
Surgery:
Patients who do not respond well to lifestyle changes or medications will eventually require surgery to counter the symptoms of GERD. You will need to discuss with your surgeon and physician whether you are a candidate for any of these procedures.
Lifelong medication is costlier and surgery may be the cheaper option in the long term.
The basic purpose of surgery is to strengthen the anti-reflux barrier.
This is achieved by forming a wrap around the lower end of esophagus. The wrap is formed by upper portion of the stomach.
Although many variants of wrap had been advocated, the best results are obtained by a forming a complete wrap known as Nissen Fundoplication. The wrap acts as a mechanical barrier and strengthens the anti-reflux mechanism.
If the patient has associated hiatus hernia, restoration of normal anatomy is done by pulling down the stomach and the gastro esophageal junction back into the abdomen and narrowing down the hiatus or present in the diaphragm.
Our team is well experienced to carry out this procedure with laparoscopic approach.
Only 3-4 tiny incisions of 0.5 cm are made in the belly or abdomen and the entire surgery is carried out with the help of long thin telescope and instruments. The patients are discharged within 48 hours.
Quality is our first concern when it comes to your health and wellness
Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you may have
Comfort is key to making sure you are happy with the process and outcome
We offer classes to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery
Studies have shown that more than 90% of patients who undergo the procedure say their symptoms are cured or improved. Although technically challenging, the laparoscopic approach is the preferred approach for faster recovery and minimal pain.
According to Dr.Kapil Agrawal, one of the best laparoscopic surgeons for fundoplication, a thorough patient evaluation is necessary. Patients must undergo esophageal manometry studies, pH measurements before undergoing surgery to ensure a proper diagnosis and successful outcomes following surgery.
The majority of the patients get discharged within 24 -36 hours of surgery. Since the procedure is done laparoscopically by our team, you can expect a very speedy recovery.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a week. However, patients should avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for two months to allow the hiatus to heal. Patients undergoing the traditional procedure usually resume normal activities in 6 to 8 weeks.
Nissen Fundoplication
Toupet Fundoplication
Doars Fundoplication
In the majority of patients, Nissen fundoplication is the best procedure. Still, the surgeon should have the expertise to perform every type of surgery. There are indications where other types of fundoplication can yield better surgeons. Our team, which has the best surgeon for fundoplication, has the expertise and experience to perform every kind of fundoplication successfully.
Hiatus hernia can also make the anti-reflux barrier non-functional. As a result, patients might experience symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Therefore, the resolution of symptoms is necessary to avoid complications of GERD. We perform Laparoscopic Repair of Hiatus Hernia along with fundoplication. Hiatus hernia repair involves restoration of normal anatomy and repair of Hiatal defect.
The cost of fundoplication depends upon the type of hospital, room category, size of hiatus hernia. However, we can also perform the surgeries reasonably without compromising the quality at a budget-friendly.
If you are overweight or obese, there is a possibility that symptoms of GERD might decrease after correction of obesity. You can contact us and we can do a complete evaluation. Our bariatric physicians and surgeons, who specialize in managing obesity will offer a customized treatment for treating both the problems.
