When to Consider Surgery for Your Acid Reflux

Beyond heartburn and indigestion, chronic acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can damage the esophagus from the persistent backflow of stomach acid. Most people get relief from their acid reflux symptoms with medications and lifestyle changes.

But if you continue to have problems with acid reflux after implementing medical interventions, then you may want to consider surgery.

At Transform Bariatrics in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, our skilled general surgeon, Dr. Hitesh Amin, performs reflux surgery using the most advanced techniques. 

 Read on to find out when to consider surgery for your acid reflux.

Acid reflux concerns

Acid reflux is common, causing a burning sensation in the chest when the stomach contents regurgitate up into the esophagus. Occasional acid reflux is normal and not a major health concern. However, if you have heartburn more than twice a week, your condition is chronic and needs medical treatment.

Constant reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus damages the tissue, leading to inflammation, pain, and narrowing of the esophagus. More concerning is that ongoing acid reflux may lead to Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the tissue of the esophagus changes, more closely resembling the tissue that lines the intestine. Barrett’s esophagus is a risk factor for esophageal cancer. 

When to consider surgery

Initial treatment for acid reflux centers around lifestyle changes, like eating smaller meals, not eating too close to bedtime, and avoiding foods that aggravate reflux (acidic and spicy foods, caffeine). 

Weight loss also helps if you’re overweight or obese. You may also need medications that decrease stomach acid production.

When is it time to consider acid reflux surgery? If you have any of the following symptoms, surgery may help:

• Your symptoms don’t get better with conservative care
• Your symptoms worsen over time
• You have damage to the esophagus
• Your reflux is causing aspiration pneumonia (refluxing into the lungs)

Some people choose to have surgery so they can discontinue acid reflux medication.  

About reflux surgery

The goal of reflux surgery is to tighten the muscle—the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—that separates the stomach and the esophagus to prevent stomach acid from flowing up. 

Types of reflux surgery include:

Nissen fundoplication

The Nissen fundoplication is the most common reflux surgery. It involves wrapping a portion of the stomach around the esophagus. We make incisions through the abdomen to access the stomach and esophagus.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is done using tools we insert in the mouth. The surgeon uses sutures and tissue folds to tighten and repair the LES without incision. 

LINX® Reflux Management System

LINX Reflux Management System is one of the newest surgeries for acid reflux. In this procedure, the surgeon places a titanium band filled with magnetic beads around the LES to stop stomach contents from flowing up. The band is placed using laparoscopic techniques.

If your current regimen for acid reflux isn’t working, it’s time to consider surgery. Call our office today or request an appointment with our skilled surgeon online.