The entrance to the stomach consists on a muscle called lower esophageal sphincter or "LES." The LES closes as soon as food passes through, however when the LES doesn’t close all the way or opens often stomach acid can travel back up into the esophagus. This occurrence is known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Symptoms of GERD
Treating GERD with Nissen Fundoplication
Many instances of GERD can be treated through various lifestyle changes and/or medications. However, when these non-surgical treatment options fail to bring relief for acid reflux, patients should consider undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, which, in essence, recreates the valve between the stomach and esophagus.
GERD is sometimes related to Hiatal Hernias. In these cases, surgery is the only option to relieve any symptoms. Patients with a large hiatal hernia or weakened muscles can sometimes benefit from a reinforcement of the hiatal hernia repair with mesh. Dr. Bhoyrul has extensive experience in San Diego with this procedure.
The GERD Surgery Procedure
The Nissen fundoplication procedure is a type of laparoscopic surgery performed at Olde Del Mar Surgical. Unlike open fundoplication, in which the procedure is performed through a single large incision, laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication done through several tiny incisions in the abdomen.
Are You a Candidate for Acid Reflux Surgery?
Contact us to find out if our GERD treatments are right for you.
