Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

gastroesophageal

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a complex disease in which acidified liquid content of the stomach flows back to the esophagus. This backwash can irritate or damage the esophagus lining.

Symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux:

  • Heartburn or burning sensation in the chest
  • regurgitation of sour acid in throat or mouth
  • Nausea
  • Dysphagia
  • Weight loss or low weight gain rate

If you are facing any of these symptoms then you may be suffering from GERD. Consult your doctor immediately and seek medical advice.

Complications caused by GERD:
  • Esophagitis
  • Barret’s esophagus
  • Recurrent pneumonia
  • Anemia
  • Apnea spells
  • Throat and laryngeal inflammation

Diagnostic tests:

GERD is diagnosed by performing an endoscopic examination of food pipe and stomach. Also pH study of stomach acid might be required to establish diagnosis correctlyt.


The factors that contribute to GERD are:
  • Lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities
  • Hiatal hernias
  • Abnormal esophageal contractions, and
  • Prolonged emptying of the stomach

Risk factors that accelerate GERD
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Eating late at night
  • Eating fatty or fried foods
  • Drinking excess alcohol or coffee
  • Constant consumption of aspirin

Not only genetic condition but unbalanced lifestyle is also the main factor behind GERD.


Treatment

Treatment available to cure GERD is not a sure shot method. When medical management fails to provide proper treatment of this disease one must go for Laparoscopic keyhole surgery which is the modality of treatment for permanent relief from symptoms of GERD.
Laparoscopic keyhole surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a very safe procedure done by Dr. Arun Bhardwaj, who is specialized in handling such cases.
The surgery is called Laparoscopic Nissen’s fundoplication which is performed through a small incision at the belly button with other fine instruments to get access to the operative area without having to make large incisions in the skin.


Advantages of laparoscopic over traditional surgery
  • Faster recovery time
  • Minimum pain and bleeding
  • Invisible scarring
  • Done under the influence of anaesthesia

If you are facing the same symptoms and signs then consult our expert today.