Heartburn GERD Treatment -- 718.780.3851

Over 44 percent of all adults in the United States (61 million people) experience heartburn, an uncomfortable, burning sensation, at least once a month. For most, it's an occasional experience that is easily relieved with an over-the-counter antacid. But for others, heartburn is a daily struggle that has changed the way they live their lives - from what they eat, to how they sleep, to the type of clothes they can wear.

“Gastroesophageal reflux disease” (GERD) occurs when liquids and foods in the stomach move back through the esophagus, into the throat. The most common sign of GERD is heartburn, in the middle of the chest. GERD can also cause throat irritation or other problems, such as the feeling of a lump in the throat, trouble swallowing or hoarseness, worsening of cough or wheezing, can lead to asthma or a chronic cough.

At New York Methodist, GERD can be diagnosed through a variety of techniques by studying the esophagus (tube that leads from the throat to the stomach). An individual who is diagnosed with GERD may be treated with dietary counseling with a nutritionist or with the prescription of advanced medical regimens by a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in digestive disorders).

In severe cases, when heartburn cannot be treated with drug therapy, or continuous drug therapy is required, patients may opt to have the condition surgically corrected. The traditional surgical procedure, known as Nissen fundoplication, involves a stomach incision, a hospital stay of six to ten days and a recovery period of six to eight weeks. As a result, surgery has typically been limited to those patients with extreme or life-threatening conditions.

Now, a laparoscopic technique makes it possible to perform the same operation in a minimally invasive manner. Most patients go home in one or two days with only five tiny marks and, in most cases, they can return to work and other normal activities within a week. Plus the procedure is less painful and leaves a smaller scar.

How Does Anti-Reflux Surgery Work?

Surgery reinforces the barrier to reflux that the lower esophageal valve provides. The purpose of surgery is to repair an inadequate valve.

Certain tests will be performed to determine whether a defective valve is present. Sometimes the valve may be identified as normal but other factors can overcome its competency. In most cases, the operation performed to correct gastroesophageal reflux is a procedure called "fundoplication."

Nissen fundoplication involves constructing a new "valve" between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest point in the esophagus, in much the way a bun fits around a hot dog.

As a result:

• The physical barrier that allows passage of stomach content back to the esophagus is strengthened.
• The wrap "inflates" as the stomach fills; a full stomach has a tighter valve than an empty one.
• A flap valve is created at the entrance of the stomach.
• All the factors that normally create valve pressure (esophageal muscle, the diaphragm, and abdominal pressure) are superimposed on each other for maximum effect.

Thus, the operation is highly effective in stopping esophageal reflux and relieving symptoms.

Click here for information about our Center for Advanced Laparoscopy.

To make an appointment, please call 718.780.3851. 
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