If you experience heartburn on a consistent basis, it is time to consider acid reflux surgery. When you suffer from constant heartburn, trying various healing methods such as a diet change and stress management might not provide complete healing. Because of the pain associated with heartburn, acid reflux surgery is a successful means of healing.
When you make the decision to proceed with acid reflux surgery, it is important to know what to expect. After a thorough consultation with Dr. Frenzel, you will have a better understand of how acid reflux surgery works. To prepare you for your surgery, here are some basic terms and explanations of acid reflux surgery.
Often called fundoplication, the acid reflux surgery corrects acid reflux. Specifically, a laparoscopic fundoplication is where Dr. Frenzel builds a new organ, valve-shaped, to assist the lower esophageal sphincter in its function to reduce hiatal hernia. The acid reflux surgery is often necessary for correcting heartburn, ensuring you remain symptom free from the pain of acid reflux.
Acid reflux surgery begins when Dr. Frenzel makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a trocar, a narrow tubular instrument. He, then, inserts a telescope with a camera attached to it, for a more in depth view of the internal organs. Making a couple more incisions in the abdomen, four more trocars are inserted. The liver is pulled back for a better view of the area of the body between the stomach and the esophagus. A new valve is formed as the upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. These two ends are sewed together. Then, the small incisions in the abdomen are sewed together using dissolvable stitched. Bandages keep the incisions safe from exposure, completing the acid reflux surgery.
Success rates for acid reflux surgery are very high, especially when the laparoscopic fundoplication method is used. Ensuring that you are a good candidate for the surgery is important. Dr. Frenzel will meet with you for a consultation where you can discuss the severity of your heartburn and the appropriate action to be determined.
After your consultation, you can determine whether you would like to proceed with the acid reflux surgery. There are several advantages in doing so including small incisions and a safe, productive method of correcting heartburn. Making lifestyle changes can aid your healing process. Drinking plenty of water, taking a Vitamin D supplement, avoiding spicy and high in fat foods, elevating the incline in your bed, and drinking Aloe Vera juice are all small ways to ensure that you don’t get heartburn.
The acid reflux surgery requires little recovery time. If you are ready to start the journey of a healthy, heartburn free lifestyle, start taking the necessary steps today. No more heartburn, no more hurting, that’s what the acid reflux surgery can do for you. Dr. Frenzel and his staff can help you—from the consultation to the recover.
