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Guide for
Acid Reflux Symptom
&
Acid Reflux Diet
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Home > Search > Acid Reflux Surgery Treatments for Acid Reflux
The standard surgical treatment for Acid
Reflux (GERD) is
fundoplication. The goal of this procedure
is twofold:
There are two primary approaches: In general, the overall long-term benefits of these procedures are similar. Some studies report that more than 90% of patients are free of heartburn after the operation and satisfied with their choice, even after 5 years. The procedure relieves GERD-induced coughs and some other respiratory symptoms in up to 85% of patients. (Its effect on asthma associated with GERD, however, is unclear.) It may enhance stomach emptying and improve peristalsis in about half of patients. (It may actually cause abnormal peristalsis in about 14% of patients, although in such cases the problem does not appear to be very significant.) Still, it has other significant limitations and postoperative problems. For example, the results of one 2003 survey suggested that 18% of surgical patients would still required anti-GERD medications and that 38% would have new symptoms (e.g., gas, bloating, trouble swallowing), with most occurring more than a year after surgery. Other studies have reported similar results. Also, fundoplication does not cure GERD. Finally, evidence -- a 2002 Swedish study -- strongly suggests that the procedure does not reduce the risk for esophageal cancer in high-risk patients, such as those with Barrett's esophagus. Candidates. Fundoplication is recommended for patients whose condition includes one or more of the following:
1. The Open
Nissen Fundoplication
Procedure. Until recently, most
fundoplication procedures for GERD have been
the
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