GERD Surgery

If you suffer from GERD that causes heartburn or acid reflux two or more times per week, having surgery may help relieve your symptoms and prevent further damage to your esophagus.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition that many people struggle to treat on their own before contacting a doctor. If you have frequent heartburn, you may try avoiding certain foods or taking over-the-counter heartburn medications. However, when these and other lifestyle changes fail to stop heartburn from coming back, it’s time to call your doctor. GERD, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to your esophagus and may even increase your risk for certain types of cancer.

How can surgery prevent heartburn from coming back?

While your doctor may initially recommend prescription medications and lifestyle changes, surgery can offer a more permanent solution to GERD symptoms. During a procedure known as fundoplication surgery, your doctor will wrap the upper part of your stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscular valve that prevents acid from flowing into your esophagus. This surgery can be done using a laparoscopic method or open surgery. Your recovery period will vary depending on which method is used.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with having fundoplication surgery to treat GERD. You should discuss these risks thoroughly with your physician beforehand and make sure to ask about all of your treatment options, including lifestyle changes you may not have made yet.