“My surgery
turned out so well that my younger
son from Phoenix, Arizona came to
Dr. Larson for the same operation.
We can both eat almost anything we want now. I have all the confidence
in the world in Dr. Larson. He's so wonderful.”
— Stella |
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| Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the main
symptom of
GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Heartburn is a common problem,
with more than half of all
adults having symptoms at least monthly. Reflux occurs when the strong acid in the stomach abnormally
rises up into the esophagus, causing discomfort. The damaging effects
of acid can also result in the development of irritation, scarring, or
even cancer of the esophagus. A malfunctioning muscle in the lower
esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter, is usually responsible for
the symptoms of GERD. When this muscle is working properly, the
esophagus is not exposed to acid, and reflux symptoms do not occur. |
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| Heartburn can be treated with surgical or non-surgical
methods. Non-surgical treatment includes medication and changes of
behavior and diet. This approach involves taking an anti-reflux
medication, keeping a reasonable weight, and eating correctly (small
meals; not eating before bed; avoiding fatty/spicy foods; and avoiding
caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine). Surgical treatment for heartburn is
usually performed when patients still have heartburn despite
non-surgical treatment. The experts also state that patients younger
than sixty who require daily medication to control their heartburn
symptoms are probably better off having the surgery, due not only to the relative high cost of long-term medication use, but also to the
increased risk of serious complications from prolonged acid reflux. |
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| The operation usually performed to cure
gastroesophageal reflux is a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The
laparoscopic approach makes it a minimally invasive procedure, with less
discomfort, and most people go home from the hospital the next day. In
the procedure, the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower
esophagus, and the hiatal hernia (found in most people with reflux) is closed. The
operation, which takes approximately one hour or less to perform,
restores the
function of the lower esophageal sphincter and keeps the food and acid
in the stomach. |
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| Most reflux patients who have anti-reflux surgery
are very
pleased with the results—they’re able to stop taking their reflux
medications and usually have no reflux symptoms whatsoever. Many
postoperative patients state that they’re feeling better than they have
for a long time, eating without heartburn and usually sleeping better at
night because they’re not waking up with reflux. |
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| Laparoscopic fundoplications to treat gastroesophageal
reflux are commonly performed, they’re safe, and the good results are
long lasting. I have personally performed over 800 laparoscopic fundoplications with very good results. The long-term studies indicate
90% or more of these operations continue to be effective ten years after the
operation, and my extensive experience is helpful in achieving these
results with minimal risk. All medical treatments, including medications
and surgery, have risks, but the surgical treatment of heartburn can
usually be performed safely and very effectively. |
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