Anti-Reflux Surgery

Antireflux Surgery

Antireflux surgery is performed with the aim of treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is a disease that is characterized by the presence of gastric contents in the esophagus, and in many cases it can also reach the mouth, nose or respiratory tract. The most common symptoms are: a) Regurgitation: Sensation of gastric contents in the esophagus, mouth or nose. b) Heartburn: Sensation of "burning" or burning in the chest. c) Difficulty sleeping: It occurs when regurgitation is intense, especially with the vertical position used to sleep. d) Chest pain: It occurs when GERD has been present for a long time causing esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus and pain in it, this translates into a feeling of discomfort in the chest. e) Frequent belching. f) Bad taste in the mouth, especially in the morning when you wake up. e) Respiratory symptoms: They occur when gastric contents enter the respiratory tract and can cause cough, rhinorrhea (clear liquid coming out of the nose), and throat clearing.
GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can be treated with medications such as pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole, etc.) or prokinetics (such as cinitapride, cisapride, etc.). However, in some cases, Antireflux Surgery is required to treat GERD. The most frequently performed antireflux surgeries are the Nissen Fundoplication and the Gastric Bypass or one of its modalities such as the SASI type Bypass. When should I consider having Antireflux Surgery to treat my GERD? 1.- When medications do not relieve my symptoms. 2.- When the medications do relieve my symptoms, but if I stop them the symptoms return, that is, I have to take medications for life. 3.- When I have respiratory symptoms or chest pain, because that indicates that my GERD is severe. 4.- When I have a previous endoscopy that says I have a large hiatal hernia, generally larger than 3 cm. 5.- When I have a previous endoscopy that reports moderate to severe Esophagitis or Barrett's Esophagus.
Fundoplicatura Nissen
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