Heartburn

The word "heartburn" is often used to describe a variety of digestive problems. In medical terms, heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids reflux, or push upward, from the stomach into the esophagus. A common symptom of GERD is a harsh or burning sensation in the chest, throat and neck. Other symptoms may include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and chronic coughing or wheezing. Reflux problems can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. If surgery is the form of treatment your doctor recommends, physicians at the Laparoscopic Surgical Center who specialize in this procedure can determine if laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for you.

NOTE: Be sure to have chest pain evaluated by your doctor immediately. Chest pain or discomfort caused by heart disease may feel similar to the pain caused by GERD.

What Causes GERD?

Located at the bottom of the esophagus is a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES remains closed until swallowing forces it to open. It closes immediately after swallowing to prevent reflux. If the LES fails to close properly after swallowing, stomach acids can go up into the esophagus. These acids irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause discomfort.

How Is Laparoscopic Surgery for GERD Performed?

Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin, telescope-like instrument called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision at the umbilicus (belly button). The laparoscope is connected to a tiny video camera--smaller than a dime--which projects a view of the operative site onto video monitors located in the operating room. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide, a gas, to allow your surgeon a better view of the operative area. Four additional small incisions are made near the laparoscope through which the surgeon inserts very small specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon uses these instruments to recreate the lower esophagus sphincter by wrapping the very top of the stomach around the esophagus. Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with Band-Aids. After a few months, they are barely visible.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery for GERD?

• Five tiny scars instead of one large abdominal scar.
• Ninety to 95 percent of patients report good to excellent relief of symptoms.
• Shorter hospital stay--most people leave one to three days after surgery.
• Less postoperative pain.
• Clear liquids the first day after surgery followed by a gradual progression to solid food.
• Shorter recovery time--days instead of weeks--and quicker return to daily activities, including work.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery. Although many people feel better in just a few days, you may need to take it easy for one or two weeks.

How Safe Is Laparoscopic Surgery for Heartburn?

If performed by experts in this field, laparoscopic surgery for heartburn is as safe as "open" surgery in carefully selected cases.